Mary Katherine Tracy
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Mary Tracy
(1947-2019)
Mary Katherine Tracy, age 72, after a long battle with her health, on Friday, January 18, 2019, surrounded by her family that she loved dearly, went to be with her family before her and her dog Harley.
Mary was born in Kansas City, MO to the late Pete and Marie (Cacioppo) Gulotta. She was the youngest of 3 children, Paul (Anita) Gulotta, and the late Lenore (Wyatt) Richardson. Mary loved spending time with her grandparents and learned the lost art of embroidery on the front porch of her grandmother’s house.
At 16 years old, she met the love of her life, Rickie, while on a double date with their friends. Rick and Mary married on December 31 and then on February 11 (long story) and spent 54 years married. They raised four children: Rickie, Carl (Janet), Paul (Christine) and JoAnn (John) Lopez. Those four children were able to give her what became her pride and joy, five grandchildren: Calvin, Megan, Katalina, Maria, and Ricky. All of which she loved unconditionally.
While Mary was raising her children, she was a hair dresser alongside her best friends Linda and Tootie. She provided hours of fun, laughter, and some dirty jokes while creating the best beehives for women in Independence for over 30 years. Mary was loved by many, her nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, clients, friends, and her children’s friends, all whom she opened her home and heart to.
After retirement, Mary loved going to the lake with Rick and reconnecting with their old friends. Most of all she loved every amazing quality her grandchildren have, all of which they had to inherit from her. She was proud of the young men and women they were and will become and was honored to be their Nonie.
Mary has given her family more than they could have ever given back to her. She taught them to love unconditionally, stand up for themselves (especially when shopping), treasure family heirlooms, welcome friends with open arms, love with passion and purpose, listen and help others sometimes before yourself, work hard then play hard, never quit and talk it out even if it’s hard, be brave and strong like she was to the end, orchestrate the life you want to live, be honest, caring, trustworthy and how to cook some amazing Italian dishes.
In lieu of flowers, cards, or donations, please live like Mary with purpose, love, and passion and make a plate of spaghetti and meatballs to enjoy with your family because saying good bye twice is sometimes too hard for those that love you.
Please enjoy our mother’s Italian meatball recipe
½ pound of hamburger
½ pound of ground sausage
1 egg
ÂĽ cup chopped onion
2-3 cloves of fresh garlic smashed and chopped
ÂĽ cup Italian Style Bread Crumbs
Pinch of salt and pepper
Handful of shredded mozzarella
A little bit of grated Parmesan cheese
Mix and form into balls at desired size. Bake in dish for 15 minutes
at 500 degrees, then reduce to 350 degrees until done (30-45 minutes).
Visits: 2
Loved getting hugs and kisses from Aunt Mimi! So, big hugs back to all of you!!
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time of sorrow. I hope that she doesn’t give my mom a fit when she gets there. Lol I imagine all of them Her my mom and Grandma all doing some crossstiching together … what a time that will be.
Rick and Family we are so sorry for your loss. Happy that we spent time with her this summer. We sure had a wonderful time catching up, laughed till we cried. Great Lady we loved her and treasured her friendship. Will miss her but she will be in our hearts forever.
Good bye to an old friend ,see you later , Love You.
No greater joy in life then to have a true friend you can talk to about anything and know they understand you.my heart is broken as the memories flow down my cheeks…sister to sister forever my best friend…..
Mary was a very kind and caring lady. I became friends with her son Paul in college and it was very obvious right away what a great wife, mother, grandmother, etc Mary is. My deepest sympathies to Paul and all the family.
So sorry to hear of your loss. I remember helping her at Costco Optical. Very nice lady!
Mama D…..how can one put into words the love and emotions shared by you like I was one of your own. I will miss your sweet smile and your brilliant laugh. I will always cherish the motherly things you did for me especially when I lost my own mother some 20+ years ago. I take comfort in the fact your pain and suffering is over and you are now basking in gods love and embrace! I will think of you often and always……your chunky.
No one may never know the little things this woman did. When we where in jr high spending the night she would iron are jeans in the mourning. She gave me a hair cut before my wedding. This women will be missed by many. Your have set the bar high miss Tracy. Thank you
Jo, I am so sorry for your families loss.
We will miss Mary and glad we could reconnect after so many years.
JoAnn, I am so sorry. It is hard to imagine a world without your mom.
I know it has been awhile since we have been in touch, but I still think of you. I wish you and your family love and peace at this most difficult time.
i HAVEN’T SEEN This great lady in so many years. But when i read all of these condolences all the Wonderful memories of her and the family comes back. Love you all and will miss her even more now shes gone!! MISS YOU ALL
Even though our visits were few and far between because of distance, she always had a smile on her face when we came to see her. It was so enjoyable to watch her and Uncle Rick act like teenagers. Us kids would laugh at the stunts they would pull on each other. She loved with all her heart and soul. I will miss you Aunt Mary. We loved you so much.
I am sitting here thinking how I will never be able to discuss the girls with you again. We always talked on Facebook how amazing they were and how fast they were growing, I will continue to do this in your honor it is a privilege to be able to do so. Love to all of the family and prayers for healing.
Rick and Rickie. We just heard of Mary passing, from Kathy and Larry. We will miss her at Pecan Grove. I’ll have a shot of peach
schnapps for her tonight.
Thanks for letting our family be part of your family. Many happy times have been shared together. Prayers to you all. God bless.