Tracey A Steckel

Tracey was born on July 24, 1947, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Earl Oren Olmstead, Jr. (1920–1974) and M. Josephine Kuzell Olmstead (1919–2009). As the daughter of an Air Force commander, she lived around the world—including Japan, Korea, Argentina, and many other countries and states. Tracey graduated from Uniondale High School in Uniondale, Long Island, New York, in 1965.

Tracey began her career as a bilingual airline stewardess for Braniff International Airways and later worked as a corporate secretary after studying at the renowned Katherine Gibbs School in New York City. In 1969, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she met and married her husband, Preston Steckel. Together, they raised two sons, with Tracey dedicating herself to her family as a loving and devoted homemaker. She was actively involved in the Catholic Church and was a committed supporter of her children’s education and sports.

Later in life, Tracey followed her calling to care for others by becoming a registered nurse. She earned her RN degree and devoted her nursing career to oncology at St. Joseph’s Hospital. Tracey was known for her compassion and dedication, providing comfort to patients battling cancer. She also served with empathy and courage during the height of the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

Tracey had a lifelong passion for music, travel, animals, and treasured time with her family—especially her beloved grandchildren.

Tracey is survived by her former spouse and devoted companion, Preston Steckel; her son and daughter-in-law, Byron (Tetiana) Steckel of Suwanee, Georgia; her son, Kyle Steckel of Maryland; her grandchildren, Gregory Steckel, Katherine Steckel, Sophia Steckel, Maxx Steckel, and Jake Steckel; her brother, Jon Olmstead of Charlotte, North Carolina; her niece, Alexandra Vernetti of Loveland, Colorado; her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia (Bucky) Reichling of Atlanta, Georgia; and her nephew, Paul Reichling of Atlanta, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents.