Marjorie R. Tracy

Marjorie Rosalind Tracy, lovingly known as Marj Tracy, passed away peacefully at the age of 76. She had bravely battled Alzheimer's disease since her diagnosis in 2018. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, September 17, 2023 followed by a funeral service at 1:30 p.m. at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines. Marj loved the color purple so please wear it if you have it. A private burial will be at Resthaven Cemetery.

Marj was born on April 14, 1947, in Chariton, IA to Bill and Maxine Myers. She grew up in the Des Moines area alongside her two younger brothers, Mike and Mark, who meant the world to her. Marj also had a stepbrother, Scot Myers. After graduating from North High School in 1965, she attended the State College of Iowa, now known as the University of Northern Iowa.

On September 16, 1967, Marj married Mike Tracy in Des Moines, IA and their union brought forth three sons: Jeffrey Michael of West Des Moines, Steven Patrick of Johnston, and John Thomas of West Des Moines.

Marj started her career with a telephone company but would eventually open her own in-home daycare. Her warm, caring, and trustworthy nature made her a natural fit for this profession. She and Mike also cared for foster children during their time in Ames. In 1983, the family relocated to Adel, where they became the proud owners and operators of Horseshoe Lanes. To help make ends meet, Marj worked weekdays as the Office Manager at Alliance Shippers, Inc. in Grimes. In addition to her full-time job and responsibilities at the bowling alley, Marj would work weekend shifts as a bartender at the Rendezvous Lounge in Adel. She was incredibly hardworking and willing to do anything for her family.

Marj and Mike divorced in 2000. She then resided in Johnston, Waukee and finally Edgewater Senior Living Community in West Des Moines. In her well-deserved retirement years, Marj relished what she loved most which was spending quality time with her family. Marj was blessed with eight grandchildren. She kept busy traveling around and watching them in multiple activities. She found joy in walking, reading, tending to flowers and gardening. She also enjoyed shopping and the Iowa State Fair. Marj loved owls and the color purple.

Marj, along with her younger brothers, Mike and Mark, faced the devastating loss of their mother at a tender age. Tragically, the family had to endure further heartache when both Mike and Mark succumbed to ALS in 2006 and 2007, respectively. Despite the profound absence of her immediate family, Marj was never left to navigate life's challenges alone. Through her brothers and her marriage to Mike Tracy, Marj discovered an unwavering support system that she could always rely on. Loretta and Tom Tracy stepped into the roles of the mother and father figures Marj had known for most of her life earning her profound admiration and love. In addition to this, Marj shared close bonds with numerous sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law who held her in deep affection, cherishing their connections with her until her final days.

Marj was known for her exceptional patience, especially as a mother raising three sons who often tested her limits. She was the backbone of the Tracy family, meticulously handling all the details, completing forms, planning meals, and ensuring her children made it to all appointments and practices. Balancing up to three jobs in a single day and sometimes working over sixty hours a week never deterred her from what she loved most: supporting her boys. Jeff, Steve, and John were deeply involved in sports, and Marj never missed a game. She always made it work to be there. She never tried to be the coach or the expert. She was there as a mom who loved to watch her boys do what they love to do. She was the epitome of a positive fan in the stands, always seeing the good in every team her boys played on. Her unwavering love and encouragement set an example for anyone fortunate enough to witness her dedication. The world needs more Marj’s.

Marj is preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Maxine Myers and Tom and Loretta Tracy; her brothers, Mike and Mark Myers; and former husband, Mike Tracy.

She is survived by her children Jeff Tracy (Jen), Steve Tracy (Kelly) and John Tracy (Amy); eight grandchildren Emillie, Joclyn, Cory, Nathan, Carson, Megan, Jack, and Clare.

Marjorie Rosalind Tracy's legacy of love, dedication, and selflessness will live on in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her. She exemplified the qualities of a devoted mother, grandmother, sister and friend. May her memory forever inspire us to be more patient, loving, and supportive. May she rest in eternal peace.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to the ALS Association Iowa Chapter. Please go to webia.alsa.org for details on how to make a contribution.