Mary Sheila Tracy

Mary Sheila was born on August 26, 1951, in Alton, the daughter of John Eugene and Marian (O’Haver) Tracy.

She was a resident of Springfield since the age of 10, graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in 1969. Mary Sheila received both her bachelor and master’s degrees from the University of Illinois – Springfield. She began working at UIS at a young age and started teaching there after she earned her master’s. She officially retired from UIS in 2017 but stayed involved after her retirement. In 2016 she began teaching technology at Christ the King School. Mary Sheila was a member of Christ the King Church and was instrumental in the parish program “Why Catholic?”. She was a Eucharistic Minister at Christ the King as well as Memorial Medical Center, and she was a UIS faculty advisor to Catholic Students Organization. When she started teaching, she felt she found her calling. She loved watching a student grasp a new concept. Mary Sheila was very proud of Girl Tech, which was a program she started while at UIS to encourage middle school girls who are interested in science to stay with it. She loved spending time with her family and friends and was always there if someone needed help. Mary Sheila was also known for her home baked cookies that she brought to coworkers and students as well as her friends. She was an avid seamstress and quilter. Mary Sheila will be greatly missed.

Mary Sheila was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Timothy Tracy.

She is survived by her brother, Terence M. Tracy of Springfield; sister, Eileen (Brad) Wisler of Albuquerque, NM; niece and nephew, Tracy (Kalvin) Davis and Brian Wisler, both of Albuquerque, NM; and great-niece, Blair Davis.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at Christ the King, 1930 Barberry Dr., Springfield. A Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Clinton Honkomp, O.P. officiating. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Burial will be held at St. Patrick Cemetery in Godfrey.

Memorial contributions may be made to Christ the King School, 1920 Barberry Dr., Springfield, IL 62704.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.