Natalie A. (Rainville) Tracy

Natalie A. (Rainville) Tracy, 92, of Willimantic, CT passed peacefully at St. Joseph’s Living Center, on May 10, 2020.  Natalie was born to Abram & Emma Rainville on 11/4/1927.  She was predeceased by her parents, her first husband, James P. Tracy, her second husband, Thomas Pickett and her grandson, Patrick H. Gilman.

She is survived by her eight children, Kathleen & husband Joseph Tenedine, son, Brian Tracy, daughter, Margaret and husband Robert DeVito, daughter, Jane Tracy, daughter Elizabeth an husband Ed Mackela, son, James Tracy, daughter, Patricia and husband Michael Carr, son Daniel and wife Jessica Tracy and stepson, Bradley Pickett and his wife Catherine.  She leaves her loving brother William Rainville and his wife Patricia.  She also leaves grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was raised in Stratford until her family moved East and she then attended The Putnam Catholic Academy.  Natalie was later enrolled in the Willimantic State Teachers College where she met her future husband, James.  Soon after she started her family, Natalie was a member of the Junior Women’s Club and President of the Democratic Women’s Committee.  After years of raising their eight children, she attended LPTN Training, where she was the President of her class.  She started her career working at Windham Hospital for fifteen years as pediatric nurse, Pierce Memorial Baptist Home, as well as volunteering positions in Connecticut and Colorado where she lived while married to Tom.  She selflessly cared for patients through all stages of life from pediatrics to geriatrics, as well as caring for family members.  Young or old, she was a friend to many and their lives were made richer for having known her.

A well-rounded child, Natalie was a self-proclaimed tomboy but she also loved dancing and enjoyed ballet, toe, tap & jazz.  Always a music enthusiast, she enjoyed artists from James Taylor to Wynton Marsalis.  Some of the things she enjoyed included sending a night at the theatre with friends, a day at the beach, and cozying up with her cat at the end of the day.  She was most content when she was sitting around the kitchen table surrounded by family and friends sharing stories and jokes that always ended in side-splitting laughter.

Her greatest achievement will always be her devotion to her children.  She had an uncanny ability to step in only when needed and guide without judgement in a honest and compassionate way.  She will be remembered most for her wisdom, resilience and grit, ensuring her children felt her limitless capacity for love.

Natalie was beloved by all and she will be greatly missed.

In light of the current pandemic, there will be no immediate service.  A celebration of her life will be planned for later this year.

You may choose to make donations in memory of Natalie Tracy, to:  American Alzheimer’s Association – CT Chapter at https://www.alz.org/ct/helping_you/support

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