Tracy Lynn Hawley

Tracy, our beloved mother and tambourine-dancing Queen, left us way too soon on Saturday, August 8th, after her battle with cancer, surrounded by family.

Born on October 16th, 1963, to Charles and Peggy Boyce (Norton)-the second of four children-Tracy lived a life defined by her infectious positivity and deep love for those around her.

After graduating from Oshkosh North High School, Tracy earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees from UW-Oshkosh. She went on to devote over 35 years to elementary education-a career she truly adored. Guided by unwavering dedication (and an endless supply of needle-sharp pencils, courtesy of Stella), she ensured every single student was given the opportunity to learn.

When not putting in countless hours into her profession, Mom enjoyed reading in her jelly lounge, walking her dogs, going on bike rides with Mitchell, and most of all, dancing like no one was watching (like she would have given a hoot). She was known to bring her phone playlist up to the juke box or touch tunes machine in order to get everyone in the boogie mood. Tracy loved attending concerts with friends and family (as long as it wasn't too crowded to dance).

She loved decorating the house for every holiday - there wasn't a window sill, doorway ledge, or coffee table without her festive touch. When it came to the holidays or birthdays within the family, she put every single member's desires before her own, even when it meant saving a dozen unfrosted cookies for her brother (Richie) when everyone else loved frosting.

It was not only during the holidays that she put everyone first, she did that quite literally every day. Wow... how lucky we were, to be able to call Tracy our mother!! She was genuine, she was empathetic, and most of all she was loving. She had a way of encouraging and inspiring all of whom she encountered to become better versions of themselves.

Mom will be lovingly missed by her two sons, Mitch and Sam (Meg), our father Terry, our grandmother Peggy, as well as our aunts and uncles; Richie Boyce, Todd Boyce, Lynn and Rich Hawley, and Cathy Cartwright. She will also be dearly missed by her nephew, Charlie, and niece, Shatonia and her children, Jaidyn, DeVance, and Shalyce. Mom also leaves behind many amazing friends, all who were so eager to help with her battle these past months. Molly Dittmer, Lana Summerville, and Lori Lang, your help in getting her to her appointments does not go unnoticed. Grandma, your care for mom through this journey was nothing short of amazing! From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!!

She was preceded on this journey by her grandparents, Bud and Dorthy Boyce and William and Dorthy Norton, her father Charles, her little sister Anne (Dave Miller), the amazing Joy Holdren, our four tail wagging yellow labs; Packer, Izzy, Tiller and Josie, her sister in law Cheryl Messerschmidt, her mother and father in law, Donna and Jerry Hawley, and their parents, Dorothy and Fred Schmidt and Esther and William Hawley. They all better get their dancing shoes on and get ready to boogie :).

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 21 from 2pm til 6pm with the service to follow at St. Andrew's Church on Murdock St in Oshkosh. Then of course, music, food, and refreshments at the Elks Club. Who knows, maybe shuffleboard at Retro's??