Shirley A.Tracey

When reflecting on the life of Shirley Tracey, it is easy to see her unwavering strength and her unconditional love for her family. She truly understood the value of hard work and responsibility in everything she did. Nothing brought Shirley greater joy than spending time with her loved ones, and she was so proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She was a shining example of kindness, and as a serving member of her community she was always willing to help those around her in ways both great and small. Deeply loved, Shirley will be forever missed.

During the 1930s, America experienced great trials as the entire decade was cloaked in the hardship of the Great Depression. Jobs were hard to come by and the unemployment rate soared, and things only became more challenging with a drought that gripped out nation’s heartland for two years during this time. Despite the trials of the day, there was much to celebrate as Shirley Ann was born on January 5, 1932. Her parents had come to America from Denmark and didn’t know any English at the time.

Growing up in Redford, Michigan, Shirley was a typical young girl of her generation. She was raised in the family home alongside her older sister, Louise. The two sisters were as close as could be for their entire lives. Throughout her childhood, Shirley enjoyed what time she could spend with her family and friends, and she also began building the foundation for her strong work ethic that would serve her well for her entire life.

Unexpected sadness came into Shirley’s life when her mother passed away when Shirley was just nine years old. Though she was devastated, she quickly formed an especially strong bond with her father. He was extremely devoted to his daughters and cared for them tirelessly, and Shirley and her father remained extremely close.

There was nothing of greater importance to Shirley than her loved ones. She was blessed to become a mother to two daughters of her own, Sharon and Susan, and she was deeply devoted to caring for her girls. To support her daughters, Shirley worked long hours as a secretary for the Ford Motor Company. During her younger years she had done some modeling. It has been said that Shirley was the hardest working woman, always going above and beyond. Her house was always spotless, and her ironing was never left undone. Tragedy struck again in Shirley’s life with the death of her daughter, Sussie, after a fatal car accident. Sussie was just 18, and this was a devastating loss for the entire family.

New and exciting changes were on the horizon for Shirley as she met the love of her life. His name was Dr. Charles Tracey, and it didn’t take the two long to realize that they were made for each other. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Shirley and Charles were married. Later in life, Shirley was overjoyed to become a grandmother and even a great-grandmother.

Never one to sit still for long, Shirley pursued many hobbies in her free time. From the time she was young, she always liked horses and ice skating. Shirley had two beloved dogs, Chompy and Smokey, who were priceless companions. She enjoyed caring for them over the years, and they became two of her best friends. She maintained an active lifestyle and stayed fit. As her family and friends can attest she was always up for shopping!

All who knew Shirley Tracey would agree that she truly understood the secret to a life well lived. She was strong, resilient, and a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times. Shirley valued her loved ones above all else, and she was never afraid to work hard for what she wanted. Known for her huge heart, she was always willing to help those in need. Though she will be deeply missed, Shirley leaves behind a priceless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry on in her footsteps.

Shirley A. Tracey of Plymouth, Michigan, died August 28, 2021, at the age of 89. Beloved wife of the late Dr. Charles Tracey, D.D.S. Loving mother of Sharon Turnbull and the late Susan Collins. Dear sister of the late Margaret “Louise” (the late Russell) Florko. Shirley will also be missed by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Visitation Wednesday, September 8, 2021 from 4 to 8 pm at Neely-Turowski Funeral Home, 30200 Five Mile Rd., Livonia, Michigan. Instate Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 10 am until time of Mass at 10:30 am at St. Valentine Catholic Church, 14841 Beech Daly, Redford Twp., Michigan. Entombment to take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Southfield, Michigan. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.