Tracey Leigh Boldyga, 48, passed away peacefully surrounded with love by her family on Saturday, December 23rd, 2017 after a long brave fight with congestive heart failure. Tracey was born on December 21, 1969 in West Palm Beach, FL.
Left to cherish her memory are her beloved son, Matthew Gregg of Anaheim, CA whom she always declared her greatest achievement in life.
Tracey is also survived by her loving parents Frank and Cathy Alfano of VA Beach, VA, Brothers Roger (Skip) Skarin and his wife Jessica of Hampton, VA, and Jason Alfano of VA Bch, VA. She always reminded her brothers that she was their big sister and how she was proud of all their life’s accomplishments. Tracey’s affection, honesty and playfulness will be missed by her nephews Ty and Seth Skarin, and only niece Nina Alfano. Nina’s mother, Jessica Harrington, was loved as a little sister by Tracey.
She was predeceased in death by her maternal grandfather, Jay Bracey of FL who she affectionately called her Monopoly Man.
Tracey left behind her fiancé, sweetheart and one true love, Jeff Taylor of Chesapeake, VA and his daughter Maegan Taylor, and was known as Nana by Maegan’s son Aiden and daughter Amelia. She was an incredible cook and housekeeper and took great pleasure in making their house a home. Tracey adopted by heart many children, grandchildren and a sister through a long caring relationship with Daniel Adams of Chesapeake, VA to include his children Alexandra Adams, Robert Adams and Jesse Adams (deceased) and sister, Mary Moore. She was adored and called Nana by all their children, Ky’Manti, Karmela, Kahion, and Prince who are also heartbroken over her passing. Tracey is survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins; however, she treasured a special relationship with her Aunt Vicki Connors of Las Vegas, NV who visited her almost every year. Tracey also left behind several God sisters and brothers whom she loved as her own. She had countless wonderful friends who were considered family to her. Tracey chose a childhood friend whom she loved as a brother, Patrick Rutherford of CA, as Godfather to her son Matthew at his birth. Patrick and his family have been an integral part of most of her life. And let us not forget Tracey’s “Ride or Die” best friend for over twenty eight years, Diana Rigg, with whom she shared an amazing bond and sisterhood. Tracey’s huge heart was only superseded by her larger than life personality.
Tracey was always full of joy when she was around her family and friends. She also delighted in traveling the countryside on the motorcycle with her love Jeff, and those bike trips were exhilarating to her. Jeff and Tracey are members of the STAR Touring and Riding Chapter 188 of Virginia Beach.
Tracey pursued the profession as licensed cosmetologist later in life with the help and inspiration of her paternal Grandmother, Norma Jean Vinson, who passed five years ago. Tracey had a natural talent with hair and the gift of conversation with everyone she met which was a perfect match for her profession.
For eleven years, Tracey was very involved in the 12 Step Recovery Program and was an officer in H & I which carries 12 Step meeting into (Hospitals and Institutions). Tracey touched the lives of so many and gave selflessly to help anyone in need. Even in the end stages of her illness, she would make every effort to travel to and support her family and friends in all their endeavors, celebrations, and needs! Her active and loving presence has left an empty space in the hearts of countless people.
Tracey’s family would like to express their deep gratitude for the care, love, and support from her nurses and staff on the second floor CICU, Advanced Heart Failure Clinic and the surgical team who fought valiantly to save her life at the Sentara Norfolk Heart Hospital where she spent the last three months of the life. Also a heartfelt thank you to her long time sister friend, Kelly Byrne, for making every Sunday night special for weeks at the hospital by preparing and bringing up dinner.
Tracey’s final wish was to be laid to rest in Maine with her maternal grandmother Frances Bracey Green whom she adored. A Celebration of Life for Tracey will be held at a later date in February to be announced. In lieu of flowers, Tracey would have wanted donations to be sent in her name to the Union Mission, Salvation Army or other Homeless Shelters of your choice.
Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.familychoicefuneral.com.