Tracy was a kind, wonderful lady, with a heart of gold. We will miss her. John, Bonnie and Family

Aunt Tracy and my mother Katherine James were sisters and very close. Because of this our family would visit often and I had the opportunity of seeing some of the family traditions of an Italian family. I was fortunate enough, and of course not all at one time, to see over the years five generations of our family around Aunt Tracy’s kitchen table.My childhood memories are filled with visits with Aunt Tracy, Uncle Pete, and Grandmother Perona.Grandmother Perona would speak Italian, and must admit I loved the sound of the beautiful Italian words. As an adult I returned on a very special trip with my husband Larry, daughter Wendy, and her daughter, Emily. It was the last time we saw Aunt Tracy and Uncle Pete in there home. Larry’s children Jayson and Jennifer visited other times. I am happy that we all had the chance to visit Aunt Tracy’s home. These family traditions are hard to put into words, because it is a feeling, a bond that says you belong, and are always welcome. This is the feeling everyone could feel from Aunt Tracy. She made you feel like you belonged to the family, and always welcome. Relatives would arrive unannounced usually, and before long the smell of fresh coffee filled the air. Wonderful food filled the table, and we would joke with each other, as we would gather around her kitchen table. There were superb stories to be heard, or current news of a loved one and laughter, but most of all there was a family bond that made one feel like coming back again and again. Then there were the homemade desserts that just seemed to appear from her pantry. I will never forget these special times. What an inheritance she had left all of us, a “special gift” only she could give each of us, one I shall cherish forever.

I am here thinking of Aunt Tracy - Theresa Refieuna- She was always baking Italian goodies or cooking some delicious Italian dish. Whenever we would be at her and Uncle Pete's House there would be a treat to be counted on, we Janet, Nancy, Mary and I (Arnold) would find ourself in the kitchen having a treat prepared by her. Josephine, Uncle Pete and Aunt Tracy would spend some time at our house also, tending the garden or helping out around the farm. Many a meal was shared and as children many games were played with a visit to the kitchen in the end. Uncle Pete would tease us and Uncle Frank or Uncle Nibs untill the noise got too loud when Aunt Tracy would let him know it was time to calm things down. One of the major activities that Uncle Pete and Aunt Tracy did was attend and help out with their church. Many meal was prepared and helped serve by them. I think of Aunt Tracy as a kind person with always a kind thing to say. A giving person always trying to help someone out. I miss her as many do, her smile and hello, however. I also know that she is presently sharing a hug or a kiss with Uncle Pete, Josephine or Anthony as happier than she ever could be. As I write this tears are shed, maybe because I miss her or maybe it is because I know another loved one is gone.