Tracy Jean Quinn went to be with our Lord, on December 24th, 2012 at the age of 53. Tracy leaves behind her close-knit family and a remarkable young son, Patrick Thomas, 13. Tracy was the second of eight children born to William Stafford and Mary Joan Clarity Quinn on September 10th, 1959. She was a fun-loving daughter and sister to her surviving family members, mother, Mary Joan Clarity Quinn of Ellsworth, WI; sister Moira (Michael) of Annandale, VA; brother, Terry (Lisa) of Lake Elmo, MN; Kevin, Edina, MN; sisters, Shannon (Jeff) of Edina, MN; Meghan (Charlie) of Ellsworth, WI; Erin, St. Paul, MN; and brother Brennan, Austin, TX. She is preceded in death by her beloved father, William Stafford Quinn, who is pleased to see his “Jean” once again.

Tracy lived a commitment to strong family and faith values. Family gatherings were always lively with Tracy’s exuberant presence. She was legendary for doting on her nieces and nephews and keeping her siblings in-line during cribbage, card and board games. She often expressed her strong desire to have children. Motherhood became reality in 1999 when she and her brother, Kevin, travelled to Guatemala and were introduced to a smiling newborn whom she adopted and named Patrick Thomas. After several visits, Patrick arrived home with Tracy to Eagan, MN in May of 2000. Mother and son were enthusiastically welcomed home by many who were excited for their new lives together. Motherhood was Tracy’s defining role and her son Patrick embodies many of his mother’s revered qualities of compassion, faith and strength.

Tracy was a lover of Christmas. It seems appropriate she would enter the Kingdom of God during this beautiful time of the liturgical year. In fact, family members joked she was a “Christmas-holic”, playfully proposing a decorations intervention to curb, or at least scale back her zeal for holiday trimmings. Tracy was an active member of St. Thomas Becket Catholic Church in Eagan, MN, where she participated in programs to spread the good news of our Lord.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin LaCrosse and was a sorority member of Phi Sigma Epsilon. With a desire to further her education, Tracy earned her MBA from the University of Minnesota leading to employment with 3M. During her 22 year tenure with 3M, she excelled in sales and marketing positions in Indianapolis, IN, Foster City, CA and the Twin Cities. She earned many awards for her successful sales performances, thus being rewarded with trips to many beautiful destinations.

Tracy was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 14 and died from complications related to this condition. Tracy’s long-term illness never defined her and her tenacity to live fully was evident to the end. Our beloved Tracy passed away peacefully in her home in Ellsworth, Wisconsin, surrounded by family and friends.

Tracy believed in always giving back; we respectfully ask that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Common Hope, a Twin Cities based organization that supports and promotes hope and opportunity to families and children from Guatemala. “Online: http://givemn.razoo.com/story/TQM -or- “Tracy Quinn memorial” in memo line to Common Hope, P.O. Box 14298, St. Paul, MN 55114.

A visitation will be held 4:00-7:00 PM Thursday, December 27, 2012 and one hour prior to the Mass Friday at St. Francis Catholic Church, 264 South Grant St., Ellsworth, WI. Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 AM Friday, December 28, 2012 at St. Francis Catholic Church of Ellsworth. Interment will take place at St. Francis Catholic Cemetery in Ellsworth. Funeral services are entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home of Hudson, WI. (715) 386-3725.

“May your loved ones respect you,

Troubles neglect you,

The angels protect you,

As Heaven accepts you.”

                         – Irish Blessing