Dorothy Claire Tracy

Dorothy Claire (Pearce) Tracy, 95, passed away peacefully on May 25th 2024 surrounded by family.
Born in Wrentham, MA on August 9, 1928 to John and Elizabeth (Picinich) Pearce, Dorothy was raised in Quincy, MA, attended Quincy High School, and got her nursing degree at Quincy City Hospital. There, she met the late Dr. Thomas H. Tracy during his residency, and they married and settled in Gardner, MA.
Dorothy leaves their four children, Marissa (Christine) Tracy Wayne of Gardner, Michael Tracy of Palmer, MA, Ann Tracy and Michael Krauer of Zurich, Switzerland, and Martha Papalia and her husband James Papalia of Acton, MA. She was the “Nana” of Elizabeth Donegan and her husband Thomas; Dr. Sarah Tracy and her husband Dr. Kyle Schoppel; Kerrin Kalinoski and her husband Jonathan; Catherine Tracy; Dino, Anna, and Dominic Papalia; and Oona Krauer. Also, the great grandmother of Claire and Liam Donegan, and Valerie and Astrid Schoppel. Dorothy was pre-deceased by her 7 siblings, including Lillian Thomas, Marian Hill, Judy Folmsbee, John Pearce, Marjorie Curtis, Betty DiMattio, and Geraldine Sweeney.
A woman of many interests and a generous and lighthearted spirit, Dorothy was involved in her community in many ways. Besides being a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was an avid gardener, artist, investor, bridge player, antique dealer, historian, volunteer, and public advocate. She was an active member of the former Sacred Heart Church parish in Gardner. One of her proudest achievements was founding The Gardner Museum in Gardner, MA, which today is still an active and treasured part of the community.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, May 28th, 2024 from 5:30 to 8:00 PM at the Mack Family Funeral Home at 105 Central Street, Gardner, MA.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, May 28th, 2024 at 10:00 AM at Holy RosaryChurch, 135 Nichols Street, Gardner, MA.
A graveside service will follow at St. John’s Cemetery, West Street, Gardner, MA.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to The Gardner Museum by mailing a check to The Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl Street, Gardner, MA, 01440.