Helen Mary Shaver Tracey Day

Helen Mary Shaver Tracey Day, 91, of Guntersville, went to be with our Lord on July 1, 2025, dying peacefully in her sleep. She was surrounded by loving family.
She was a wonderful, kind, and caring woman who knew no stranger. She was born on October 17, 1933, in West Fulton, New York, in the Shaver Homestead. Helen was the daughter of Jay Rickard Shaver and Helen Lena Way Shaver. She married Peter Francis Tracey, JR. in Norwich Ct. on February 18, 1950. He predeceased Helen on April 5, 1971, after a 10-month battle with melanoma.
She then married Robert "Pops" Arthur Day in New London, CT., at the Coast Guard Academy Chapel on January 12, 1973. He predeceased Helen on October 18, 2015, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Helen's survivors include two sons with her first husband, Peter F. Tracey, Jr. They are Peter F. Tracey III (Rebecca) from Jennings, FL., Jay R. Tracey (Jennifer) from Belleview, FL., and a daughter, Mellony P. Tracey from Guntersville, AL.
After marrying Robert A. Day, they proceeded to have twin sons, Robert Eric Day, from Naples, FL. and William Arthur Day, from Guntersville. Helen also has two stepdaughters, Gail L. Butler (Willard), from Bremerton, WA., and Robin A. Day Hamilton, from San Clemente, Ca.,
Grandsons: Peter F. Tracey, IV, Robert "Boe" Hartwell (Rockelle), Brett Hartwell, Eric Butler, and Corey Hamilton (Stephanie).
Granddaughters: Jennifer Tworzyelo, Tania N. Coomey (Kevin), Vanessa Daniels (Jack), and Brittney Hamilton.
Great-grandsons: Anthony John Coomey, Robert Hartwell Jr., Riley Hartwell, Eli Hartwell, and James Thomas Thornton.
Great-granddaughters: Karissa Lynn Holybee (Tom), Amber Lee St. John, Tiyanna Hartwell, Camryn Hartwell, Amari and Skylar McIntyre, Ava Lynn Coomey, Autumn Jade Trasko, Aiylah Jasper Trasko and Tatum Jean Hamilton.
Great-Great-grandchildren: Thomas, Johnny, and Samantha Holybee.
Helen moved to Alabama afterthe death of her second husband, Robert Arthur Day. Guntersville is where she wanted to be more than anything. She always said the people here were so friendly and "I have made more friends here in six months then I did in Florida after 35 years."She came to Guntersville in December of 2015, with her daughter. Her favorite thing to do was to go to the Guntersville Senior Center. She knew everyone there and made sure she spoke to each of them every day. Unfortunately, many of her friends from there have preceded her in death.
Helen held many careers in her lifetime. She worked at the City Clerk's Office in Norwich, CT. until she married her second husband and they moved to California. There she worked at Turner School in Fresno, CA., and then at North Salinas High School in Salinas, CA.
She began work at Zayre Department Store where she was a customer service manager until the store closed. She then worked at the Department of Transportation as a radio operator. Helen wanted employment where she could meet more people, so she became a Food Stamp case worker for the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services. Helen then was talked into teaching at an all-girls school, PACE Center for Girls. She taught English, Math, and Science. She retired at the age of 76.
The family asks that no flowers be sent. Rather, memorial contributions can be made to the Church she attended and loved:
St. William Catholic Church
Building Fund
920 Gunter Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35976
RE: Helen Day
There will be services in Guntersville, AL that will be directed by Guntersville Memorial Chapel. Visitation will take place on July 7 from 5-7pm. A mass will be held at St. William Church, 920 Gunter Ave. Guntersville, AL on July8at 11am. A luncheon will take place immediately following the mass in the Foley Center.
Helen's remains will then be flown to Norwich, CT. Cummings-Gagne Funeral Home will direct those services. Visitation will take place on July 14 from 5-7pm. Graveside services will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery in Norwich, CT. on July 15 at 11am.
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