Tracy Barraclough's Obituary
With broken hearts, we announce that Tracy Michelle Barraclough, of San Diego, California, passed away on March 2, 2025, after a courageous and resilient battle with ovarian cancer. Born on January 15, 1970, in La Habra, California, to the late Lance and Nancy Stewart, Tracy spent her childhood growing up in Riverside, living off the 5th fairway in Indian Hills. She spent many mornings racing her Huffy bicycle down the golf course with her siblings to join swim practice and compete against local teams, memories that shaped her early years. Tracy faced her diagnosis with extraordinary grace and unyielding strength, embodying resilience at every step of her journey. Upon receiving devastating news about her prognosis, she chose hospice care, opting to spend her final days surrounded by the love and warmth of family and friends—a testament to the deep bonds she nurtured throughout her 55 years of life.
Tracy is survived by her loving husband, Gary; her daughter, Kayla; her stepson, Michael, and his wife, Irene; her brother, Sean, and his wife, Liza; her sister, Jenny, and her husband, Jason; as well as numerous cherished cousins, nieces, nephews, Aunt Kathy, Uncle Barry, Uncle Bob, Uncle Bobby, her best friend Cari—who was like a sister—and many treasured friends who will forever hold her memory close. She touched the life of everyone she met and will be remembered for her kind heart and unwavering commitment to helping others, leaving behind a legacy of love and compassion. To her nieces and nephews, Tracy was the "groovy Aunt," whose fun-loving spirit and warm heart made every moment with her unforgettable.
Tracy lived with passion and an insatiable curiosity. She had a deep love for travel, always eager to explore new places, immerse herself in different cultures, and uncover the beauty of the world—whether in distant lands or hidden gems closer to home. She liked to explore her genealogy and was a frequent attendee to the Highland Games representing the Stewart Clan, celebrating her heritage with pride. Tracy had a deep love for her daughter and bragged about Kayla’s accomplishments whenever she had the chance; they recently traveled to Scotland together, a journey that reflected their close bond. She was an amazing mother and had a deep love for her daughter. She cherished quiet moments with her beloved dog, Reilly, whose companionship brought her immense joy. A music enthusiast, Tracy often attended concerts, letting the rhythms lift her spirit, and she prioritized staying connected with old friends, treasuring those lifelong ties. Her dedication to learning shone through in her education: she graduated with a business degree in 2008, then pursued and completed both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing between 2016 and 2017. Her career culminated in her role as Associate Nurse Executive at the VA Hospital in San Diego, where she excelled at mentoring nurses and inspiring those around her with her compassion and leadership. Tracy took pride in attending to the Veterans that have served our country, a commitment that reflected her deep respect and gratitude for their service.
In her final days in the hospital, Tracy remarked that she could see her mom and dad, who had passed before her, walking through her room. She found peace in knowing they would be waiting for her on the other side—a comforting assurance that eased her journey after such a valiant fight. A celebration of Tracy’s life will be held on March 29, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Clairemont, 4266 Mt. Abernathy Ave, San Diego, CA 92117. All who knew her are invited to join in remembering her remarkable spirit. A reception will follow on the premises, with food and light snacks provided, offering an opportunity to share stories and heartfelt memories of Tracy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a cause reflecting Tracy’s journey and her hope for advancements in cancer care.
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=8742883&fr_id=154020&pg=personal
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