Tracey Schwartz, age 48, of Huron, died Sunday, March 26, 2017, at Sanford USD Medical Center. A private funeral service was held Thursday, March 30th. She was buried next to her husband in the Maplewood Cemetery at Iroquois. A memorial service will be at 4:00 PM, Sunday, April 30th at the Salvation Army.
Tracey Lynn Schwartz was born on November 25, 1968. On June 12, 1998, she married the love of her life, Todd Alan Schwartz. Together they raised four beautiful children: Kellcey, Johnathon, Kaitlynn and Brooklynn. Tracey was also a mother-figure to Todd's boys, Patrick and Blake.
Tracey was a kind, compassionate woman who was full of love, especially for her family. Anyone you asked would tell you that her children were her pride and joy. Losing her husband in 2007, she suffered a loss she never expected. However, instead of falling apart, Tracey stepped up and did everything in her power to make sure her children had the best lives they possibly could. Tracey was a very smart woman who could make the most out of the budget she had. She made sure her children never went without. Finding activities for her children and keeping them involved in the community became her hobby.
For years, Tracey worked for the Center for Independence, where she would have the opportunity to share her caring heart with many. They appreciated her and loved having her around. She could even make an impression on people who were not known to be impressionable. Once she became a single parent, she put her heart and soul into being a full-time mom.
In 2010, Tracey was diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer. Although this news was devastating, it did not slow her down. She went through both chemotherapy and radiation treatments to survive for her children. She was in remission for five years when the cancer metastasized to her bones. Yet again, Tracey never stopped fighting. She worked with her doctors to find a solution. She handled her medical health like a champion. In December of 2016, Tracey was told that the cancer had again showed up in her stomach. She fought once again as long as she could until she became so sick that, on March 5th, she was admitted to the hospital.
At this point, most people knew the end was near, and she did, as well. She was not afraid of death and she looked forward to being reunited with other loved ones who had passed on. Even so, for three weeks straight, Tracey amazed the doctors and nurses by continuing to prove them wrong and fight the issues going on inside her. Many times, we hear how a loved one has lost their battle with cancer, but this cannot be said for Tracey. On March 26, 2017, she may have lost her war with cancer, but she fought long and hard, and she won many battles.
Tracey was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Todd Schwartz; her parents-in-law, LeRoy and Shirley Schwartz; and two brothers-in-law, Tony and Tyler Schwartz.
Tracey is survived by her four children, Kellcey, Johnathon, Kaitlynn and Brooklynn Schwartz; a step-son, Blake Schwartz; a brother-in-law, Tim Schwartz; two sisters-in-law, Leila and Judy Schwartz; two aunts, Nancy (Floyd) Barrett and Betty (Marlin) Solberg; two cousins, Robin Versuleys and Lorna Houge; and two nieces, Traci (Scott) Ross and Brittni (Brett) Karlsen.
Tracey was a wonderful and committed mother and will be greatly missed in the hearts of many.