Tracy June Keir

Keir, Tracy June (nee Pietras) passed away unexpectedly at the age of 51 on 10 July 2023 in Lagos, Portugal, while on vacation with her husband, Andrew.  She was just a few weeks shy of her 52^nd birthday.

Tracy was born 31 July, 1971 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan.  She grew up in different locations, including Kerrobert SK, Edmonton AB, Hedley BC, and finally Princeton BC.  She then moved to Vancouver to attend Simon Fraser University, where she obtained a Biology Degree, and also met her future husband, Andrew.

She moved with Andrew to Ottawa in 1994 and then spent 7 months undergoing treatment for Hodgkins Lymphoma.  She married Andrew in 1995 and gave birth to her sons James (1998) and Timothy (2001).  Knowing that her life expectancy was uncertain, she devoted her time to raising her children, wanting to ensure that they would have fond memories of her.

She didn’t need to worry.  Breast cancer in 2009, and a nerve sheath sarcoma in 2014, most likely unwanted side effects from the original treatment didn’t stop her.  The additional treatments ravaged her body, but she simply kept on living and continued to raise the children as though nothing was wrong.  She was so happy to see both sons graduate from college and university, respectively.

Instantly recognizable by her naturally curly hair, Tracy loved to travel, dance, spend time in nature, and work on her gardens.  She was immensely independent and had inner strength unmatched by anyone.  She was an inspiration to all of her friends and family.

Highlights of her life were travels and exploits in England, Australia, Jamaica, Mexico, and Portugal.  She always loved to be in or near the water, relishing the beauty and the wildlife.  She was so excited and was fully enjoying the trip in Portugal, not knowing it would be her last.

Tracy is pre-deceased by her father, Stanley Pietras, and survived by her loving husband Andrew of 28 years, her sons James and Timothy, mother Marilyn, and brother Barton.  She is fondly remembered by her extended family and friends.

A special thank-you goes out to the Lagos Maritime Police for their professionalism and compassion during the incident.

A celebration of her life will be held at Tubman Funeral Homes Garden Chapel, 3440 Richmond Road, in Nepean, Ontario (Between Baseline and Bayshore Rd) on Saturday July 29th.  Visitation for close friends and family will be at 12pm and a service will be held at 1pm in the chapel.  Live-streaming of the celebration will be available on Tubman website. 

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in her memory to the Terry Fox Foundation or the charity of your choice.