Tracy Lee Rvachew

December 4, 1963 – November 2, 2017

Tracy Rvachew, her genuine compassion, warm smile, and selfless devotion, endeared her to many. Sadly, she passed away too early at the age of 53 years, after a courageous and hard fought battle with ovarian cancer.

Tracy will be forever cherished and loved by her best friend and husband of 32 years, David; sons Christopher (Elora), Michael, Thomas, and daughter, Katherine. She will also be forever loved and remembered by her mother, Lauretta Dingwall; sisters Terri (Bruce) Fuller and Kim (Ted) Fiks; as well as nieces and nephews Steven, Shane, Shannon, Rylan, Morgan, and Carson.

Tracy is predeceased by her father, James Dingwall (2002), and niece Christina Fiks (2004).

Tracy was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, attending the Clara Tyner and Braemar elementary schools, Ottewell Junior High School, and graduating from Bonnie Doon Composite High School in 1981. She proudly worked for the family business, Obsco Beauty Supply.

She was active in many social organizations including Brownies, Girl Guides and Job’s Daughters. She was an active youth bowler and volunteered for local hospitals as a Candy Striper, and mastered the piano. Tracy had a great love for the family cabin at Lake Wabamun where she spent many weekends and holidays with her family.

In 1984, Tracy married her high school friend, David Rvachew, and moved with him to Bonnyville, Alberta. She quickly grew accustomed to the small-town life, graduating from the Lakeland College Secretarial Arts program and working as the secretary to the superintendent of the Lakeland School District. Tracy became an integral part of the community, playing in local volleyball and baseball teams, and volunteering for an abundance of local organizations.

Tracy’s biggest desire in life was to be a mom, and one of her proudest moments was the birth of her first son, Christopher, in 1994. Soon after, Tracy and David relocated to Calgary, where she was blessed with three more children, Michael, Thomas, and Katherine.

Tracy was a devoted mother, immersing her heart and soul into her children, participating alongside them in their many activities including school, Kumon, bowling, baseball, soccer, Irish Dance, volleyball, football, and many others.

Tracy obtained her Massage Therapy diploma and worked at home as a massage therapist, book keeper and entrepreneur, while volunteering for many organizations including Parents And Children Together (PACT), local schools, the Winter Club, Irish Dance, volleyball and football teams, and many more.

Tracy was an avid cook and baker, taking baking classes at SAIT, and routinely creating dinners for special gatherings, often of 25 people or more. Further, she loved photography and put her skills to use as the sports photographer for the William Aberhart High School football and volleyball teams.

Bowling was a large part of Tracy’s life, starting with youth bowling in Edmonton, bowling and volunteering as a youth bowling instructor at both the Bonnyville and Calgary Winter Club Bowling Alleys, arranging many bowling banquets, and winning numerous high-average bowling awards. Just last season, Tracy bowled the Calgary Winter Club's ladies high-score of 296. She also volunteered on the Club's Bowling Committee as Secretary for five years. The people in the bowling industry who had the pleasure of working with Tracy were so lucky to have someone with her amazing skills and dedication to the sport.

Tracy is described by two of her friends, “as a bright light of positivity and warmth”, and “one of the kindest, most loving, energetic, and beautiful souls to walk the earth.” These quotations encapsulate who Tracy was, perfectly. She touched so many lives.

Tracy asked that we thank the doctors, nurses, and support staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and Foothills Medical Centre, Unit 42, with her written words, “You are all an exceptional team and I am forever grateful to have been in your care.”

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Ovarian Cancer Canada.

Tracy asked that we share this quote with you:

Life is short, break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.

-- Mark Twain

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at a visitation held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 - 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen's Park Cemetery) on Friday, November 17, 2017 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A gathering to honour Tracy’s life will be held at FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.