Tracey was born and raised in Tollhouse, a small community in the foothills of Fresno County. Her father Jack was a Fire Captain at Blasingame Forest Fire Station, and her mother worked at the Humphreys Station restaurant across the street. She spent most of her childhood outdoors doing tomboy things like playing in the creek, riding her dirt bike, climbing trees, and shooting her bb gun.
At Sierra High School, Tracey excelled in basketball, volleyball and track, and made many lifelong friends. After earning an AA degree from Kings River Community College in Reedley, she decided to follow in her father’s footsteps and join the California Department of Forestry as a seasonal firefighter. She had it in her blood and had a very meaningful and successful career, passing along her knowledge, mentoring her crew, and leading by example. She was extremely proud to have retired from Blasingame Station as a Fire Captain, just like her dad.
Tracey was able to enjoy some travel during retirement, especially to warm tropical places with beaches and pools. She also loved to hike and fish and take in the natural beauty of our National Parks. She was especially happy to have seen Portugal where Dorothy’s relatives came from.
Tracey was a beautiful, kind and gentle soul, loved by everyone she met. And once you knew her, you could never forget her. She was the perfect combination of her mother’s fighting spirit and her father’s quiet strength. These qualities, along with a big heart and strong body, were her compass for navigating life and handling her cancer diagnosis with all the treatments she endured. She touched the lives of those who cared for her, and she supported and encouraged the other patients she met.
Tracey’s partner of 24 years, Karen Griffith, is grateful for the outpouring of love and support she has already received. Tracey was preceded in death by her father Jack, mother Dorothy, and sister Linda.
A celebration of Tracey will be held sometime this fall when the weather is comfortable for an outdoor gathering, and those details will be shared as they become available.
Tracey loved all animals and volunteered for years at Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to them or an animal rescue of your choice.
