Tracy Ann Ruger

Tracy Ann Ruger, 60, of Cazenovia, NY passed away December 31, 2022 at the Syracuse VA Medical Center ICU, after a brief yet grueling battle with influenza and pneumonia, and many long-term physical illnesses and ailments. 

Tracy was born on June 27, 1962 in Syracuse, NY. She graduated from ESM High School in 1980 and enlisted in the US Army immediately thereafter. She became a military intelligence analyst. Several years later, she also served in the US Air National Guard as a medical technician. In the civilian world, she held a wide variety of occupations, but was perhaps best known for her time working at McGowan's Hardware in Chittenango, NY. 

Tracy was an animal lover her entire life. Some of her favorite hobbies included doing ceramics, various arts and crafts, watching classic film and old westerns, and traveling to zoos and animal refuges and sanctuaries across the country to support and learn. She was always quick to donate to many different charities and was particularly fond of babies. Tracy had a wild sense of humor and loved to laugh. She made it a habit to smile every day, no matter what.

Tracy was predeceased by her grandparents, Millicent and William; uncle, Peter and uncle, Raymond, aunt, Bessie; father-in-law, Richard. 

Tracy is survived by her loving husband and full-time caregiver, Stephen; adoring children, Brent, Stephanie, and James; sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Cady; parents, Vera and Sam; nephews, Palmer and Ethan; mother-in-law, Janet; sisters-in-law, Sandra and Sharon and brother-in-law, Stuart (Jennifer); aunts; cousins; nieces; nephews; and the pride and joy of her life, granddaughter, Camille.

Also, on behalf of Tracy and her immediate family, a special thank you and salute goes out to her entire medical team of doctors, nurses, aids, and anyone who assisted in Tracy's care and comfort over the years until her very final day. The gratitude felt for Dr. Punjani, Sarah Bush, Sue, Ola, Sarah L., Lori and so many others is truly limitless.
Because she loved all things purple, the family encourages everyone to incorporate the color purple into their attire when attending any of her services. Tracy Ann will always be remembered for her kind, loving heart, her serene demeanor, as well as her tenacious spirit and fearless soul. 

Calling hours will be 4-7pm on Friday January 6th, 2023 at Sears-Middleton-Mathewson Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, North Syracuse, NY 13212. Funeral services will be held Saturday January 7th, beginning at 9:30am at the Funeral Home. Burial immediately following at Pine Plains Cemetery, 465 Peck Road, Kirkville NY, 13082. There will be a gathering to follow, for friends and family to reminisce at a location to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to help offset some of the funeral expenses in hopes of being able to afford to keep the family farm and home that Tracy loved so much. 

 

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