Katherine Mary Frates

Katherine Frates 

August 17, 1938 – June 29, 2026 

Katherine Frates, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, mentor and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 29, 2026, at the age of 87. 

Born on August 17, 1938, in Gardner, Massachusetts, to Henry and Teresa Burns, Katherine lived a life defined by family, service, curiosity, kindness and generosity. She touched countless lives through her compassion, her quick wit and her genuine interest in everyone she met. 

Katherine began her nursing career in Massachusetts before continuing her work in Hawaii. She later moved to Northern California, where she met the love of her life, Alfred “Al” Frates. They married in June 1963 and built a beautiful life together, eventually settling in San Leandro, where they spent more than 50 years raising their family and becoming deeply involved in the community. 

Katherine and Al built their lives around family, community and service. They were longtime members of Assumption Parish, where they formed lasting friendships and were active in parish life. All six of their children attended Assumption School through eighth grade, and the parish remained an important part of the Frates family's life for many years. 

After her children had grown, Katherine returned to the healthcare field at the San Leandro Surgery Center, serving first as a registered nurse and later as Director of Clinical Services for over 20 years. Even after retirement, her commitment to healthcare never slowed. Katherine was instrumental in helping establish the RotaCare free medical clinic, providing nursing expertise, assisting with licensing preparations, recruiting volunteers and helping build a program that expanded access to medical care for those in need. She remained a dedicated volunteer for many years and later served on its Board of Directors. Her passion for serving underserved members of the community lives on through the important work of Davis Streets health and community services. 

Alongside her nursing career, Katherine was a true partner to Al in every sense. Together they owned and operated Fosters Freeze restaurants in Oakland and San Leandro, creating not only successful family businesses but places where lasting friendships were formed. 

Service to others was one of Katherine’s defining qualities. Following retirement, she also proudly served on the City of San Leandro Senior Commission, representing District 2. She remained civically engaged through organizations including the Commonwealth Club, where her lifelong curiosity and love of learning continued to flourish.

She was an avid reader whose curiosity never faded. Whether discussing history, current events, or the latest book she had finished, Katherine loved thoughtful conversation. She possessed a wonderfully dry sense of humor and was always ready with a clever remark. One of her favorite running jokes was claiming she belonged to Densa instead of Mensa - a line she delivered with perfect timing and a smile that never failed to make those around her laugh.

More than anything, Katherine cherished her family. She was a constant source of love, wisdom, encouragement and strength. Her home was always welcoming, her advice thoughtful, and her support unwavering. She celebrated every milestone, offered comfort during difficult times, and made everyone feel valued and loved. 

Katherine was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred Frates; her son, Alfred Frates Jr.; her granddaughter, Sadie Frates; her parents, Henry and Teresa Burns; her wonderful sister, Mary; and her brother, Peter. She is survived by her children, Elizabeth (Chris) Morris, Teresa Frates, Gregory (Sandy) Frates, Mary Ann Frates, and Glenn (Jennifer) Frates; her daughter-in-law, Edith Frates; her grandchildren, Taneya, Marcus, Elizabeth, Christopher, Scott, Benjamin, Calie, Cecilia, and Liam; her extended family; and the many friends, colleagues, neighbors and former patients whose lives she touched through her kindness and generosity. 

Katherine leaves behind a legacy of compassion, service, lifelong learning, laughter and love. She taught those who knew her the importance of family, generosity, community and treating everyone with dignity and kindness. Her quiet leadership, unwavering dedication to helping others, and gift for making everyone feel welcome will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered and forever carried in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. 

A Funeral Mass celebrating Katherine’s life will be held at Assumption Church in San Leandro on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a reception in the parish hall adjacent to the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Davis Street in Katherine’s memory, honoring her lifelong commitment to caring for others and supporting access to healthcare and essential community services for those in need. https://davisstreet.org/ways-to-support-davis-street/donate-to-davis-street/ 

We love you, Mom, always. 

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