Tracy Lynn Fader

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tracy Lynn Fader (née Gray) on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026. Tracy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 54.

Tracy was born on June 1, 1971, in Fort McMurray, Alberta, to her devoted parents, Pat and Ian Gray. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Calgary, where Tracy spent her formative years and was joined by her younger sister, Dawn.

Tracy attended school in Calgary, including Bishop Carroll High School. After graduating high school, she attended the University of Calgary, earning a degree in History and Political Science.

In the summer of 1989, Tracy met her future husband, Nick, who was then an articling student with Bennett Jones. Tracy and Nick became inseparable and were married in Lake Louise, Alberta on the Easter weekend in 1995. In 2018, they reaffirmed their commitment to one another through a convalidation ceremony at St. James Catholic Church in Calgary.

Tracy and Nick have been blessed with two wonderful sons, Graham (born in February 1997) and Alec (born in May 2000). Tracy was a devoted and loving mother who poured her heart and soul into her sons' lives. She was a constant presence at their sporting events, either cheering from the stands or volunteering behind the scenes. Whether at games or tournaments involving teams from Trails West Minor Hockey, the Calgary Royals Athletic Association, Cal West Minor Baseball, Babe Ruth Calgary, or various school sporting events, Tracy was always there, offering her support and encouragement (and, occasionally, tips for improvement). Her warmth and enthusiasm made her a well-known figure within various local sports communities, where she formed lasting friendships with other parents and families. In short, Tracy leaves a footprint.

Tracy's commitment to Graham and Alec was paralleled by her commitment to Nick, to whom she provided unwavering support, over many years, in his career as a lawyer at Bennett Jones.

In 2025, Tracy took particular pleasure in assisting Graham with the planning of his wedding to her daughter-in-law, Sawyer Wright. In more recent months, she also assisted Alec and his fiancée, Kayla Brill, with the planning for their upcoming wedding.

Tracy was known (and will be remembered) for her kindness, strength, and ability to make friends wherever she went. Her infectious smile and genuine interest in, and care for, others left an indelible mark on everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

As much as she enjoyed large gatherings, Tracy enjoyed sharing quiet meals with family and close friends. She had an unparalleled aptitude for finding wonderful restaurants to visit in the places that she found herself in while on family vacations or when attending out-of-town baseball or hockey tournaments with Graham or Alec (information usually known only to "locals"). Tracy was a committed organizer of family (and other) events.

In May 2023, Tracy was diagnosed with cancer. True to her resilient spirit, she faced the disease with courage, determination, and grace. About a year into her cancer journey, Tracy acquainted herself with Midtown Manhattan (which she liked very much) and London, England (which she liked even more). She fought valiantly until the end, having determined early on that she had no intention of going gently "into that good night."

The support that Tracy received from her many friends since the time of her initial diagnosis was remarkable and a constant source of comfort and strength.

Tracy is survived by her husband, Nick; her sons, Graham and Alec; the wonderful young women in her sons' lives, Sawyer and Kayla; her parents, Ian and Pat; and her sister, Dawn. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her.

As a family, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible doctors, other medical professionals, and staff who cared for Tracy at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, the Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre and elsewhere, and to our family's personal physician and her office staff. Their professionalism, competence, care and compassion provided immense comfort to Tracy, Nick and other members of our family during Tracy's journey.

Thoughts of Tracy will, no doubt, evoke favourable memories for many years to come in all who knew her. Among other things, she will be remembered as a devoted wife, a loving mother, a cherished daughter and sister, and a true friend to many.

A Prayer Vigil will be held at St. James Catholic Church (5504 20 St SW, Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. James Catholic Church on Wednesday April 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A Graveside Service will follow the Funeral Mass at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Ranchmen's Club (710 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB) on Friday, April 17, 2026 (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Tracy’s name to Alberta Cancer Foundation - Arthur Child Cancer Centre.

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