Tracy Lynn Swerkes

Tracy Lynn Swerkes, age 51, passed away in Austin, TX, on July 13, 2024.

She was born in Santa Monica, CA on July 23, 1972, to Henry and Barbara (née Shinn) Swerkes.

Growing up in Northridge, CA, Tracy enjoyed music, playing sports for community teams, and perfecting her artistic abilities.  In 1991Tracy graduated from Alemany High School in Mission Hills, CA.  Always fiercely independent, at the age of 16 Tracy, on her own, successfully found employment at a local movie theatre.  In her 20’s, after stints in management at Blockbuster and Burger King, she decided to travel with friends and ultimately landed in the Austin, Texas area where she became active in the local church and made many new friends.  Later, she joined Believers Church which became her newfound family.

During her time in Texas, Tracy became proficient at making beautiful gift baskets as well as exotic tea blends, selling her wares at local craft fairs and farmers markets.  She often volunteered for her church handing out bibles and spreading the ministry that she loved.

Tracy fought her cancer valiantly with endless hope and abounding faith.  She held on to her faith tightly throughout her whole journey.  She would read and study her bible to give her strength.  She was diligent in maintaining her physical strength and mobility.  She pushed herself to keep to routines that would keep her healthy.  Even while getting tougher chemotherapies, she could run circles around the nurses.  She tried to bring joy to all she encountered.  She never met a stranger and made new friends all the time in our infusion room.  She would share her teas and aroma therapies with everyone.  She had a laugh and a little sweet Tracy giggle that would light up the room.  She strived to be kind to her body and disliked taking medications so taking treatments for her cancer were hard on her, but she put a smile on her face and showed up diligently to fight her cancer.  She was a warrior and definitely one of God’s miracles here on earth. 

In the last few years of her life, Tracy reconnected and grew closer to her birth family after a long absence.

Tracy is survived by her mother Barbara (Swerkes), her brother James (Swerkes) of London, England and his wife Sophie and their two children Sylvia and Edward. She is predeceased by her father Henry.  She is dearly missed by her many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Memorial Service will be held at her beloved Believers Church located at 1650 Country Road 270, Leander, TX 78641 on Saturday July 27, 2024, from 10:30 to 11:30 am. 

Additional services will be held at the Thiele-Reid Family Funeral Home, 585 Belgrove Drive, Kearny, NJ, with visiting from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday evening, September 6. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery in North Arlington, NJ on Saturday, September 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at http://forevermissed.com/tracy-swerkes/about

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Believers Church located in Leander, TX - 1650 Country Road 270, Leander, TX 78641 - Mailing Address: PO Box 647, Leander, TX 78646.

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