Rachel Claire Frey

Born on July 21st, 2005, in Austin, Rachel Claire (or “RC”) was lovingly named after her grandmothers. She is survived by her mother and father, Melanie and Nathan Frey; her big brother, Reagan; her granny, Rachel Frey; her uncle and aunt, Chris and Angie Stoffregen; and her cousin, Ashley Stoffregen. RC was preceded in death by her beloved grandma and grandpa, Claire and Reagan Dees, and her poppa, Lash Frey.

Rachel Claire was a 2024 graduate of Hyde Park High School in Austin. RC was a diligent student and was proud to have completed high school with a perfect 4.0 GPA. Because she attended Hyde Park Schools from kindergarten through graduation, she had the distinction of being called a “lifer.” Being a faith-based school, Hyde Park truly became an extension of her family and supported her spiritual foundation.

After a brief time at San Diego State University, Rachel Claire knew that her future lay beyond a university education. She combined her love for babies with her desire to make her own career path. She was fortunate to serve as a full-time nanny for two wonderful families in Austin and as an au pair for a family in Italy this past summer.

Rachel Claire found her greatest joy in her pets, horseback riding, travel, live music, family, and, most of all, her friends.

Although RC loved the family dog, Hilo, her cat, Jasper, was uniquely her own. A fluffy white, purebred Maine Coon of 18 pounds, Jasper was a large presence in RC’s life. She took special pleasure in spoiling him with cat toys and accessories and calling him her first “child.”

Growing up, Rachel Claire pursued many activities; however, she found her true passion in horseback riding. RC got her horse, Sampson, in July 2020 and competed in hunter/jumper competitions through her senior year. Some of her best friendships, experiences, and life lessons came through this sport and spending time outdoors with Sampson and her barn friends.

RC loved to travel and experience the beauty, history, and varied cultures the world has to offer. In her short life, she was blessed to travel to Australia, New Zealand, Egypt, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, and many other countries. Still, she was proud to be from Texas and an Austin native. She loved that Austin was known around the world, and she was a true Austinite.

Attending concerts and music festivals were the highlights of Rachel Claire’s social calendar, and being from Austin gave her many opportunities to do so. Many times, RC combined her love of music, travel, and friends to see her favorite artists on road trips across the country.

After five years of waiting, Rachel Claire completed our vision of the ideal family, with a mom, a dad, a boy first, and then a girl. The big brother would be her protector, and a sweet girl would bring the sugar and extra spice into our lives. Upon arrival, RC quickly had her dad wrapped around her finger, and they always shared a special bond. In a family with an extroverted mom and brother, she had to fight to get her voice into the conversation, but when she did, fasten your seat belt! Rachel Claire knew that her family loved her and that home would always be a place where she could be herself and feel safe.

Of the many things Rachel Claire treasured, there was nothing more valuable than her friendships. She had many friends, and she made those most special to her know how she felt about them. Friends loved her quick wit, exuberance, and always-ready-to-make-memories attitude. However, she was also extremely loyal and was quick to listen when her friends needed a sympathetic ear and a trusted confidante.

Although we, her family and closest friends, are profoundly saddened and dismayed that Rachel Claire’s life was cut tragically short, we find great comfort and ultimate joy in knowing she had an unwavering relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. As the Apostle Paul explained in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, “we do not grieve as those who have no hope.”

RC threw off the chains of this world with the promise of awakening, healed of all her suffering, in the presence of her Heavenly Father. Therefore, amid these darkest days, we also claim the promise of one day being reunited with her in eternal life.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, December 20th, at 10:00 AM at Austin Baptist Church, 7016 Ribelin Ranch Drive, Austin, Texas. There will be a reception after the service, followed by a private burial at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Stay Here Network for suicide prevention at www.stayhere.live.