Obituary of Tracey Graftaas

Tracey Graftaas, a beautiful wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend, passed away the morning of Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at the age of 51 years. Always looking out for and taking care of the people in her life, Tracey was the best wife, mom, grandma, co-worker and friend a person could ask for. She often commented on the importance of the people in her life and showed how much we meant to her by the way she loved and cared for us. Although her passing brings sorrow and sadness, the life she lived was one of encouragement and joy, always showing us that a positive outlook makes tough situations brighter. Mom was never one to let the struggle of cancer keep her from enjoying every moment with those important to her. She was baptized two days before her death and following her baptism, Tracey was able to spend a fantastic afternoon with friends and family and finished the night playing cards with yet more friends. She was hospitalized the following morning but, always taking care of her family, told us that night to "go home and get some rest, it has been a long day". She passed away the following morning surrounded by family. Mom’s joys in life were simple: family, friends, work and baking of all kinds. Her dedication to her family was unmatched, as she never missed an event that Brian, the kids or grandkids were involved in. She fulfilled the roles of cheerleader, scorekeeper, chauffeur, caregiver, cook, housekeeper, as well as many others, with grace, energy and dedication. Growing up we spent many summers together camping, water-skiing and hiking. In the last few years, Brian and Tracey have done much travelling with friends and family or to visit them, most recently to Florida in March and Montana two weeks ago. She is survived and lovingly missed by her husband Brian, of thirty-three years; sons, Tyler (Angela) and Joel; grandchildren, Noelle, Nathan and Ryley; sisters, Susan (Bob) Morales and Jan (Phil) Slater-Seath; in-laws, Norman and Edith Graftaas, Lindsay (Laurel) Graftaas; niece and nephews, Alan and Carla Rogerson, Eric Graftaas and Rene Desjardins; as well as many other loving family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Tom Slater and Elizabeth Slater. Funeral Services will be held at Mountain View Lutheran Church (exit south on Old Banff Coach Road from Highway 1, turn on to Range Road 31) on Wednesday, July 2 at 2:00 p.m., Pastor Bradley Taylor officiating. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433 , or the Weekend to End Breast Cancer (www.endcancer.ca, Calgary event, Team "Save Our Boobs"). The family would like to thank all of our friends for their continued support, as well as the doctors and nurses of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and the emergency department of the Foothills Hospital for the impeccable care and concern that was given to Tracey and her family. Their professionalism and genuine concern were greatly appreciated. In living memory of Tracey Graftaas a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.