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Tracy Smith Obituary
June 3, 1950 - January 28, 2023
La Jolla Tracy Leeds Smith of New Haven passed away January 28, 2023, at age 72, after battling the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's for many years. Tracy was born in Milford, Connecticut, the daughter of Patricia Clarke and Frederick Miller Smith. After the passing of her father, Tracy, her mother and 3 siblings moved to La Jolla, California in the early 1960's. A graduate of La Jolla High School, Tracy attended the University of Oregon, and graduated from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) in 1974. She worked for many years in early childhood services at UCSD before returning to Milford to pursue her Master of Social Work from at NYU. After graduating she worked as clinical Social Worker for the State of Connecticut at Bridgeport Mental Health helping set up cutting edge mental health programs in the city, until the effects of her disease required her early retirement.
Tracy was an adventurous person growing up in the 60's and 70's in California. She and her sister Sydney toured South America and experienced Carnival in Brazil after graduating college. Tracy will be remembered as someone who felt an obligation to help others, she had a wicked sense of humor and pleasant manner with anyone and everyone she met. Her laughter and kindness will be missed.
Tracy is survived by her husband H. W. (Bill) Chalsma, her stepchildren, sister, Sydney Smith husband Donald Griffin of Alexandria, Virginia, brothers Michael Smith wife Patricia of Annapolis, Maryland and Peter Smith wife Cathy of Milford, Connecticut; 11 nieces and nephews Caitlin and Hayley Smith, Emily Griffin, Adam, Richard, Michael, Jackson, Dylan, Hudson Smith, Frederick Griffin and numerous cousins, and grandnieces.
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Memories and Condolences
for Tracy Smith
Melissa
April 1, 2023
Tracy was so kind and loving--she met me at 21 and made me family right away, always accepting me with openness to whatever I was going through. Watching her years later draw with my toddler daughter is one of my favorite memories of her: Tracy and little Felicity kneeling on the floor of the lovely New Haven home she shared with my dad, heads tilted towards one another. She knew so well how to engage with Felicity and the look of delight on both their faces was priceless. Years and years later, towards the end, Felicity spent time with her grandparents in New Haven at Thanksgiving break from college. She shared with me that, although Grandma Tracy was struggling at the time and having trouble remembering people, when Felicity was going back to school Tracy, unprompted, gave one of her trademark hugs and said "Goodbye, Felicity!" I will always remember Tracy's sense of humor, her kindness, and her ability to always accept people for where they were. I know my Dad is missing her terribly, as are all of us.
Jennifer
March 28, 2023
Tracy was the best stepmom anyone could have asked for-kind, fun, loyal, thoughtful, and all-around cool.
I smile every time I remember Tracy dancing the "mango tango" around the pool, with grandchildren singing and bopping along behind. They loved her! We all did.
Eric
February 16, 2023
She was always kind .. we worked together at DMHAS .. My most sincere sympathy to the family ..
Maria Ortiz
February 15, 2023
She was my supervisor for many years and she love to celebrate all Mexicans traditions
Sandra Rivera
February 15, 2023
Tracy was a wonderful person, she took me under her wing during my internship with DMHAS. My condolences to the family
Madeline
February 15, 2023
Tracy was my supervisor for some years. She was always kind. She made a great carrot cake. My condolences to Bill, her siblings and family.
Dana Wooster
February 14, 2023
I lived next door to Tracy when we were young in La Jolla. I remember her lovely smile and that, despite me being the bratty next door neighbor, she always treated me kindly. I'm so sorry for her family's loss.
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