Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Tracy Louise Mabry

July 11, 1955 – June 18, 2012

Our beautiful and vibrant Tracy Louise left us much too soon on June 17, 2012 at her treasured cabin home.

Tracy was born July 11, 1955 in Fort Carson, Colorado to Shirley and Noral Johnson. She was the oldest of four siblings; two wonderful sisters and one fantastic brother. Tracy was raised in Helena and attended Helena High School. She loved to ski and was a member of both the downhill ski team and the cross country team. She made lifelong friends and often got together with the ’73 girls throughout the years. During high school she also met her best friend and the man who she would spend her life with, David Mabry.

Tracy and David married on September 27, 1975 and had two beautiful daughters, Cory Laine and Deana Lee. Tracy was an amazing mother and had infinite love and so much to teach her girls. She taught them to be spirited, speak their minds, and always learn new things.

Tracy and David raised their family and made their home in many different places, including several years in the shadow of Mount Hood in Sandy, Oregon. Tracy loved her time in Oregon and often said she wanted to live there again. Moving home to Helena, they bought Tracy’s paternal grandmother’s house and spent many happy years there surrounded by her friends and family. When her girls graduated from high school and began adventures of their own, Tracy quit her job and started her favorite adventures with David. They bought a 5th wheel trailer they dubbed “The Behemoth”. She kept a journey of their travels they made, following David’s jobs all over the country, and intended to write a book about it. They purchased their dream cabin in the woods, by the creek, to spend their retirement years and Tracy filled the rooms with her art and other treasures she collected over the years.

In 2007, her first grandchild was born, Mason, followed by her granddaughter, Everett, in 2011. She adored her grandbabies and spoiled them with her love and attention.

Tracy loved life. She was determined to learn everything, try everything, and go everywhere, and challenged everyone she met to do the same. She loved spending time with her large, boisterous family and her many friends. Her “Tracisms”, such as “hootinany”, “skosh”, “from hell to breakfast”, will be repeated and remembered. She hiked, gardened, painted, took pictures, sculpted, read, beaded, and wrote. She bought the best junk and traveled to the most wonderful places. She tracked the weather in a journal and gazed at the stars. She sang and she danced.

She was proceeded in death by her own mother, Shirley, who she missed every day, and her father, Noral. She will always be remembered by her best friend and husband, David; her daughter Cory and her husband Dan, her two beautiful grandchildren, Mason and Everett; her daughter Deana and her partner Dana; her sister Nonie; her sister Andy (Michael); her brother Rusty; her sister in-law Lisa (Don); her nieces, Kira, Lacey, Rubi, Kody, Nicki, Rachel, and Jolene; her nephews, Jake, Matt (Andrea), and Clinton; and her great nieces, Kaidyn, Addisyn, and Karsyn. She will be remembered by the “Spokane Cousins”, David’s family, and many, many friends and loved ones.

We weren’t ready for her to go and we will miss her, and her smile, every day.

The family will be receiving friends 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, June 21 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, June 22 at the funeral home with a reception to immediately follow in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Memorials in Tracy’s name can be made to the St Peter’s Hospital Foundation, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601.

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  1. Dear Dave

    Wow…what a shocker! I’ll always remember swimming in Tracy’s parents swimming when we were in junior high school. Her great laugh, her red hair, her efforts to help out her sister and all the great times we had at class reunions, keggers in high school and just being buds. Makes you realize to live life to the fullest each and everyday. I’ll miss her and be thinking of you!

    When the dust settles, come out to Washington and visit me at the cabin in Leavenworth or come to Seattle and hang out.

    Love you man….

    Alan (aka Gator) Chamberlain
    Seattle, WA

  2. Today I learned of Tracy’s death. I was thinking of her only three days ago. I loved Tracy as much as any male adult legally could! As her teacher, her coach, her friend. She will never be out of my life. And what a ‘can-do’ fireball. Johnson siblings, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Tracy was as special as one can be.

  4. Dear, Dear Dave and family, Just really don’t know how to put into words the pain and the loss of such a special torch in your lives. And a torch, Trac was and is still. Our hearts are so with you. I know that mine is broken with her gone. I still can’t gather around it all. I thought of Trac as my Best friend, as I’m sure many did. She was such a SMILE….

  6. Dave and Family, There aren’t words to express our sorrow at the untimely passing of Tracy. She was sincerely one of a kind, the most thougtful, fun and most interesting friend anyone could have. Her laugh and smile could light up your day. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love, Dan and Colleen

  8. We are so sorry to hear the news of Tracy. Know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. May the days ahead bring peace and understanding to all. We’re here if you need anything. “God Bless”

  10. Dave, Cory, and Deana…I am so sorry to hear about Tracy. We always had so much fun, Tracy always made it better. You are in my prayers.

  11. Dave and family…we are in shock to here about Tracy. We loved her dearly even though we didn’t see you guys enough. I love you Dave. Please take care of yourself during this difficult time. Your sister Lisa

  13. we would just like to express our condolenes to you .Our preyers are with you in this loss

  14. May we all continue to be surrounded by the love and joy brought into this world through you Tracy! My thoughts are with you Deana, Cory, Dave, and family. I love you – Inga

  15. I am so sorry for your loss. May the memories of the times you spent together bring you some comfort and strength.

  16. David (Opie),

    >From the other Mabry’s & opie, We are shocked and deeply sadened by Tracy’s passing. We are sending you love and prayers. She was such a fun wonderful person and we will always remember her in that way.

  19. Tracy will be missed by many. It has been so much fun knowing her. She was a fun, loving, and all around amazing lady. Our condolances to her family. Know that we are praying for you in this time of great sorrow!

  20. Trace’s family,

    I am so sad and shocked at Tracey’s passing. I will always remember her fondly. Her enthusiasm for life was always an inspiration to me. I have fond memories from around the pool, the Octo-house on Head lane, The Rock, and much more. I really enjoyed the last time I spent with her and Dave at the York house.

    The will only be one Trace.

  23. Our world has lost it’s brightest star. Tracy was so loving and giving to so many, especially me. She always knew what to say to cheer me up, and look at the bright side. I have truly lost my best friend.

    To all of you, my deepest sympathies.

  24. Dave and Family – I am deeply sorry for your loss. Tracy was a wonderful, unique spirit that we all are blessed to have known. The positive impact she made on everyone’s life will live on. Please know that you all are in my thoughts and prayers. Julie Rosa

  25. To the Johnson and Mabry families, we are saddened to hear of the loss of your beautiful Tracy. She was a very loving, supportive person to her family and friends. Celebrate her wonderful laughter and smile. Blessings.
    David and Kathy Munson
    Friends of the Les Dolezal family

  26. Dave and Family,
    Our hearts and prayers are with you and the family at this sad time. The fun times we had and her laughter will be deeply missed. Our Girl’s Trips won’t be the same. Know that you are in our thoughts.

  27. Dave and Family,
    I send warm and comforting thoughts and wishes. Tracy was my fellow red head childhood friend whose energy and spirit inspired everyone in a way that will never dim.

  28. From Tracy’s service:

    Hi,
    For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Leslie Yates. I struggled with what to say today, and I decided to tell a story or two about how Tracy and I came to be friends.
    Tracy and I met about 25 years ago at Mt. Hood Community College in an art design class. I remember Tracy from that first day quite vividly. The instructor was going over the lengthy supplies list, and I remember Tracy asking a question about practically every item on the list. She was quite earnest especially when it came to the straight edge. Tracy went on about what type of straight edge? Just a ruler? Did we need a French curve? A protractor? And I sat there thinking, “will you just be quiet so we can get out of here…jeez just get a ruler!” Needless to say, she made an impression. She was tenacious to say the least. Tracy and I would end up sharing a work space that entire term and I immediately recognized what a talented artist she was.
    The event that really cemented our friendship occurred in the college parking lot near the visual arts center. I was walking from class to my car, and just near my car was this giant rust colored pick up truck and this tiny red-headed woman sticking out from the under the hood banging away on the battery with a big wrench. I innocently asked, “um, do you need some help or maybe a ride?” to which Tracy gladly accepted. She and Dave and the girls were living in Sandy, Oregon, and I had just moved from Portland to Boring, Oregon which was nearby. Trace hopped in my car and immediately spied my baseball bat and exclaimed “Ooh, do you play softball?” And I looked at here like she was nuts and replied rather sarcastically, “Uh, no” because I couldn’t understand how she didn’t know it was for protection and not sports! And I remember thinking “Wow, she really is from the country.” But we had a good laugh about it and we would refer to it as the city mouse/country mouse story. I’m pretty sure she invited me in when we got to her house and that began our ritual of drinking white wine and talking in the kitchen and shooing the girls away so we could talk. We would eat saltines and cheddar cheese, and I had my first taste of her chicken spaghetti in that kitchen.
    The time we spent together at Mt. Hood Community College was a period of great creativity for both of us. She always inspired me to be a better artist and her opinion and critique of my work was the most valued.
    She was always right about everything.
    I realize now that Tracy was always around for the most significant events in my life. She was with me when I met the first love of my life, John, and she was the one of the first ones to call when I lost Frank last year. Through career changes, moves and breakups, she was always there for me.
    She was basically responsible for me realizing a life long dream of travelling to Montana. I worked two seasons at Glacier National Park, and I would never have done that had I not known Tracy.
    She took me on a road trip through Yellowstone Park and the next year I got a job at Lake McDonald in Glacier. I met some of my dearest friends at Lake and my time there changed my life for the better. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I have Tracy to thank for that. She gave me a love of the outdoors that I didn’t know was there.
    We had both moved a million times over the years and we often went months without talking but it was always as if no time had passed. We always joked about the number of entries for each other in our address books and never remember which phone number was the right one.
    Everyone who ever met her was enthralled by her smile, her sense of humor, her laughter, her intelligence, her great legs.
    She loved boots and purses and color and life and art and music and food and family.
    She was the most genuine soul I have ever known.
    I saw Tracy last when she and Dave and Dean and Dana came to visit me in my new place in Gresham a few months ago. I laughed when I heard Dave was retiring because I couldn’t believe it was true. We drank wine, ate and talked. The best times always were the same, eating and drinking and laughing. I am so lucky to have seen her that last time, to hug her and tell her that I loved her.
    I love her very much and am lucky to have called her my friend.

  29. Dave and Family,
    Please know that we are thinking of you. We recall the joy that Tracy brought to all; especially with that full body laugh. Even back in the olden days on Sanders Street she was the little redhead with the right amount of attitude. We will miss her but will always remember her sunshine.

  30. Dave, It has been so very many years since I have seen you. My heart goes out to you and your family for the loss of your wife. It sounds like she was a great lady.

  31. I am sooo sorry for your loss. I have such fond memories of Tracy and I sitting around the dining room table and having a glass of wine and just chatting. She was such a joy to work with. She will be missed greatly

  32. Dave I am at a loss for words with Tracy’s passing. It has only been a couple of months since I saw her shopping. I am sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and know you are in my thoughts.

  33. I worked with Tracy at Insty Prints/Allegra for several years. She was a hoot to work with. I remember the time she came dressed as Peg Bundy for Halloween! She won the prize…I will never forget her warm boisterous laugh. I am so sorry she is gone from us.

  34. Our hearts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time. She will always be in our hearts.

  35. Dave and family. Very sorry to hear of the loss of Tracy. I too have not the words and pass along my deepest condolence to all of the family. What a great person and I will always keep with me those fun times we had in our younger years! God Bless.

  36. Dave and family, Tracy’s flame will never dim. >From the days of Ray Bjork to class of 73 reunions what a fireball. Tracy keep the party going until we meet again.

  37. To Tracy’s family and friends if anyone would like to contribute anything, food etc. it can be delivered to Cory’s at 3774 Clinton E. Helena, the door will be open, OR Nonie’s 608 Hollins in Helena, OR, Anderson Stevenson Wilke Mortuary, Thank you all for your love and support. Tracy was an inspiration, and a truly spirited soul, she will be so very missed by us all.

  38. Dave

    We are thinking of you daily and want you to know if there is anything you need, we are a phone call away. please don’t hesitate to ask.

    Scott and Shawn

  39. My condolences to to the Mabry Family at the loss of your mother, wife, sister, grandmother. May you be comforted by the peace of the Holy Spirit.

  41. Dave and Family, I am so sorry for your loss! Tracy was such a beautiful person. I’ve never known anyone with as much heart and life. My immediate memory of her is, us working at KG Men’s Store at Capital Hill. We both bought the coolest men’s plaid pants and wore them everywhere!! Of course, she looked way better than I did in them! She is in my heart forever!

  42. May the family find comfort in fond memories and in knowing that God is “near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” (Psalm 34:18) Our loving Creator, Jehovah God, has promised to soon “swallow up death forever…and wipe the tears from all faces.” (Isaiah 25:8) With deepest sympathy.

  43. Opie- We are at a loss for words..what a shock. She will be missed by all. Tracy was a wonderful lady.

  44. Opie – our hearts truly go out to you and your family. I can’t even put into words how unfortunate and surprising this is, she was your everything. Take care of yourself and your family as that’s all that’s really important in this world. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

    Love the Bjorum’s

  45. Wishing you all moments of peace as you journey your grief. The powerful love of your family gives testimony to Tracy’s love of life and spirit. Hold that in your hearts. Tim and Denise

  46. Tracy worked at Insty-Prints (now Allegra) the job she quit to go on adventures with Dave! What an example of someone who lived from their true north. Although I haven’t seen Tracy for many years I think of her often because of her great customer service skills and straightforward, head on approach to everything!

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