Tracy Swartz

Tracy Stewart Swartz

November 17, 1965 -

August 24, 2013

It is with much sadness that we say goodbye to Tracy, beloved daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend, 47 years young, who passed away after a very short and courageous battle with ovarian cancer. Born in Walnut Creek CA, raised in Pleasant Hill, and for the last 16 years lived in Oakland while working in San Francisco; most recently at Bare Escentuals.

An avid Birder, Tracy could name almost any bird that came into her viewfinder by either sight or song. She volunteered with numerous organizations to research and help her winged companions. She was a fierce defender of planet earth, both flora and fauna. Her passion has been to photograph birds, animals and the environment, traveling throughout the country.

Tracy was a strong debater on world events, a voracious reader of a broad array of many subjects, from art to science fiction, and an avid follower of TED Talks. A computer guru, she loved keeping up with the fast pace of technology, mastering the newest gadgets with ease. Her talents included a delight in creating culinary treats for friends and family.

Tracy was preceded in death by her father Robert Swartz, grandparents Louise and Paul Stewart of San Francisco, and Jennett and Burton Swartz of Clarksburg.

She will be remembered for her loyalty to every project she tackled from work to play. With a tender heart and gentle boisterous soul, she always had a smile in the face of adversity. Tracy will be sorely missed by her mother Carol, of Pleasant Hill, sister Lisa, of Truckee, brother Paul, of Groveland, and her aunt and uncle, Barbara and Sam Skelly, of Oakland, plus many dear cousins, friends, coworkers and fellow birders. We love you T, we know you're soaring with the eagles.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tracy's name to The American Bird Conservancy, PO Box 249, The Plains, VA 20198; KQED, 2601 Mariposa St., San Francisco, CA 94110 or other organizations she was passionate about. A celebration of Tracy's Life will be held on Sunday, October 6, 2013 at 1 - 4 pm at Shoreline Center 7250 Doolittle Drive, Oakland. For information: lisaswartz8@gmail.com.