Journal

When my little sister decided what she wanted, she took a direct route
to getting it. How many of us would feel silly telling our nieces and
nephews that our name was 'Aunt Favorite'. Certainly not Tracy. There
were two simple steps to Tracy's strategy to getting what she wanted.
Tell them how it is, then deliver the goods.
Tracy wanted to be 'Aunt Favorite' so she told the kids that was who
she was. Then of course she delivered. Did anyone ever love kids
more than Tracy?
She constantly reminded us all that childhood should be a glorious
time. That children should be treated with respect, and they should be
responsible for themselves. Kids would always find someone in her to
listen to them and to help in anyway she could. And nothing made her
happier then to see kids having fun.
And that's how you become 'Aunt Favorite'.

If you’re very lucky in life, you may meet a handful people who have
that certain
something – what the French call “Je ne sais pas quoi”. My niece
Tracy had it. It’s
not beauty – and she was a knockout. It’s not intelligence – and she
was smart as
a whip. And it’s not even sense of humor – and hers was crackerjack.
No…It’s none
of those things …. it’s something else …… indefinable. And when I
saw her near the end….when the cancer had done its worst, she still
had that. The cancer couldn’t touch that.
On a number of occasions over the years Tracy would relate how I
used to protect
her from her brothers when she was a young girl……I never had the
heart to tell her
that I can’t really recall that …. But I find it very comforting that she did.

When I first met Rich Glasheen, it was at his interview for a
teaching position at Gelinas Junior High School, Three Village
Central School District. He was everything a Principal could
want in a teacher; knew his subject cold, was creative and fun
to be with, obviously liked children, and had a strong sense of
family. I thought; "how very fortunate we would be to have a
man of his talent join the Gelinas Staff." Then, I met Tracy!
And, I quickly realized Three Village had hit the mother lode in
this wife/husband team of Tracy and Rich Glasheen. Though
already engaged in her battle against the disease, Tracy's star
shone! She was so very very quick. There was a brightness
to her eyes and a warmth to her smile that drew you to her and
made you want to listen to what she had to say. You just knew
whatever she was going to say would be interesting. I could
only imagine what Tracy would be like in a classroom full of
kids! Though retired for nearly three years now, I still
remember our meetings. Dynamic is the word that comes to
mine when I think of both Tracy and Rich.

Sincerely,
Marion Gaigal

Dear Richard:
   I can't tell you how sorry I am to hear about your loss,
actually the world’s loss. I went to college with Tracy and
she was the most vibrant, outgoing girl I knew. I always
thought of her as a tough cookie as well! She told it like it
was and didn't take any crap.
   She, and several of her friends were friends of our
group - we called them the scrapper girls. Like I said,
Tracey didn't take any crap! We thought of those girls as
the female versions of us. We played some pranks on
them in the dorm and they hit us right back. We knew that
when we saw them out there would always be happy
greetings and good times.
   I got to see Tracey a few times after college and last at
a dinner about 6 years ago. Still vibrant and still beautiful!
As always is the case, we forget what's important in life and
I failed to stay in touch. It is my loss that I have no more
recent memories of Tracy.
   I hope you and your family have as peaceful a holiday
as possible. You can rest assured (as I'm sure you are
going to find out) that there are many friends of hers who,
while we may have been part of the past, will never forget
her.   It's easy to say nice things about someone after they
are gone but Tracy was really one in a million.

Sincerely,
Artie (or R.T.)

Dear Rich,
I know you don’t know me, but I knew Tracy back in
Oneonta as one of the “Scrapper Girls”, which was
nothing but a great complement to a few of the girls we
knew back then. She, Phyllis, Amy, Debbie, Dine,
Nancy... One great group of women. Tracy was always
so alive with a great big smile and a laugh that was
nothing short of infectious. Her beautiful looks were
always second to her inner beauty. She was just great
people. This said, I was floored when I heard about her
passing last week. The last time I saw her was at a small
reunion dinner in 1997. She hadn’t aged a bit and was
so proud of her family…. you and your kids. I was so
happy to see her and hear about all of these wonderful
things.

Jeffrey K

Dear Rich and Children;

This is so difficult for me! I met Tracy the first year she
taught at the high school. We hit it off immediately despite
our age difference. I remember she had such a passion for
life. She was always happy and had no tolerance for
whiners!! The lunch room was always a happier place when
she was there. The group discussions could get quite
heated but Tracy held her own, and since we mostly agreed
on things it made her more endearing.
I know that she loved you guys very much. You were her
life. Once before the children were born Tracy said "having
children won't change my life". Having three children and a
grandchild already I found that quite amusing. After the
children were born I reminded her of that statement.
She laughed and said "boy was I dumb". By then not only
had you changed her life: You were her life!

   When she contracted the cancer, she told me the only
thing she was worried about was possibly leaving three small
children; yet she NEVER thought that she wouldn't beat it!
She was a fighter and wouldn't give in.
She told me once when she was a child and taking riding
lessons she fell off the horse and was crying; your
grandfather put right back on the horse and made her ride.
She never forgot that lesson. If in the future you find
yourselves facing difficulties remember how you mother
would have acted and draw your courage from her. It will be
the best way to honor her memory.

   I'm sure you are groping for something positive to take
from this terrible ordeal. I can only offer that she was one of
the most beautiful people I have ever known; and though it
was much to short we are all better people for having known
her. I know she will live in you hearts forever and that is all
she could have wished for.
   I will always remember the tough kid with the warm heart
and beautiful smile. As long as we remember her that way
she will always be a part our lives and we will be better for it!

  Rich when you said Tracy was your best friend you gave
her the best compliment you could give a wife. She always
said that about you. That makes your loss so much more
difficult yet it also leaves you with memories that
will last you a life time. Hold them dear and you will hold
Tracy near you.

   Draw strength from her memory and God Bless you all.

   Victor C.

Dear Rich and Family,

I just got a call from an old high school friend with the
sad news of Tracy's passing. Tracy and I were very close
in 9th and 10th grade and had many a sleepover- She
was always a joy to be with and had the brightest of
smiles at Smithtown East. I am sure she is brightening up
the heavens with her infectious smile and hardy laugh. My
thoughts and prayers are with the Reuss Family and the
Glasheen Family. God Bless you all.

With Deepest Sympathy
Kelly (Smith) Ponticello