Verna Louise Tracy

Verna Louise Tracy, 84 PORTLAND -- Verna Louise Tracy (Tracy to all she knew and loved), 84, died Thursday, March 5, 2009, in Scarborough after a long many years of health concerns and struggles. Tracy, the daughter of Henry and Gladys Tracy was born in Norway. She was educated in local schools and studied nursing at Maine General Health. Caring for people in need and in poor health was her passion and she practiced nursing at Mercy Hospital in Portland for over 40 years. In addition to the countless patients that received her tender and compassionate care, there were many nursing students that benefitted from her years of practical knowledge and tricks of the trade. She was a tireless and dedicated medical professional. Tracy not only used her hands for healing, but also to express her amazing creativity. Her extraordinary cooking and baking skills were cherished, her crocheting and sewing were exquisite, and her friends and family still proudly display the many ceramic pieces that she created. Tracy loved music, reading, old classic movies, and always harbored a not so secret crush on Clark Gable. Tracy is predeceased by her parents, Henry and Gladys; and her three sisters, Clara, Elizabeth and Joyce. She is survived by many nieces and nephews throughout the country. Tracy will be sadly missed by the families of Richard and Cathy Rand of Portland, and Raymond and Theresa Perron of Gorham to whom she gave so much of herself. Visiting hours will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, at the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State St., Portland. Prayers will be recited 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, at the funeral home, followed by a 10 a.m. Mass of Christian Burial at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, 307 Congress St., Portland. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Vern's memory to: Gosnell Memorial Hospice House 11 Hunnewell Rd. Scarborough, Maine 04074