Beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Tracy A. Renoir (Joseph), died peacefully at home on August 10th after a valiant fight against glioblastoma, an aggressive and all too common form of brain cancer. Her family and friends are heartbroken to say good-bye.
Tracy was born October 9, 1958 in New Bedford, MA to Lillian Breen (Borges) and the late Edward Joseph.
Tracy came to this world with a love for all animals but she was particularly drawn to Morgan horses and all things equestrian. She spent her early years in New Bedford but was called to the country in her early twenties when she bought her first Morgan, a young chestnut stallion named Georgetown Starlight whom Tracy loved dearly and remained with her for life. Through hard work and determination, Tracy eventually acquired a horse farm of her own in Middleboro, MA that she called Western Star Morgans. Tracy loved nothing more than the solace of her farm which she took back from the runaway bramble covering its grounds upon her purchase. It was at Western Star that Tracy began breeding Great Danes. Tracy’s dogs were known for their canine good citizenship and many went on to become service dogs of the highest order. Although she had no children of her own, Tracy’s animals filled that space in her heart and she cared for them with the fierce and tireless love only a mother knows.
In addition to her equine and canine pursuits, Tracy was a well-loved employee of the Blue Point Restaurant in Acushnet, MA where she was a waitress for 29 years.
Tracy embraced all of life’s simplest gifts. Horseback riding on the beaches of Plymouth, relaxing on her front porch, antiquing, and good times with friends were all things Tracy enjoyed. She was never caught up in acquiring the material.
Tracy is survived by her mother, Lillian D. Breen of Acushnet, MA, with whom she shared a deep bond; her sister, Julie Gaye of Portsmouth, NH; her niece, Attorney Eve M. Gates of New Bedford and Martha’s Vineyard; her step-children Deborah Renoir, Robert Renoir, and Abigail Renoir; her significant other, Richard L. Tetreault; and many friends. Tracy was the beloved great-aunt of Aidan Gates, Asher Gates, Aislyn “Tiggy” Gates, Alex Parr, and Avalon Parr, all of Martha’s Vineyard. Tracy was pre-deceased by her husband Robert Renoir; her brother, Edward Joseph; and, her father.
A funeral mass in celebration of Tracy’s life will be held on August 26, 2017 at 9:30 a.m. at Saint John Neumann Parish, 157 Middleboro Rd., East Freetown, MA. All are welcome. In lieu of flowers Tracy’s family asks that she be honored by remembering that life’s simplest pleasures are the greatest gifts of all.