Mary Van Wagner Tracy

September 16, 2021

HUNTERSVILLE– Mary Van Wagner Tracy passed away peacefully at her home in Huntersville, NC on Thursday, September 16, 2021. Born April 30, 1943, in Charlotte, NC, she was the daughter of the late Rose Ellen and Wiley Van Wagner. Affectionately known to many friends as Mimi, she grew up in Charlotte and graduated from Myers Park High School in 1961. Following graduation she attended college at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC.

Mimi's love of travel was rooted in her early career choice as a civilian United States Air Force employee based in Wiesbaden, Germany. During those years she enjoyed skiing the Swiss Alps with friends or catching a night train to Paris. She also met her beloved husband Jim who was an Air Force officer stationed at the base. They fell in love, married and a couple years later their son Patrick was born.

In late 1971 Mimi and Jim moved from Wiesbaden to Charlotte and three years later their daughter Katherine was born. Mimi took pride in raising her family surrounded by a close community of friends and neighbors. She loved playing league tennis, was involved in the children's school activities and sports and she treasured decades of fun with her close-knit bridge club.

Mimi also enjoyed her years as a residential real estate agent and as a travel agent in Charlotte. She thrived on planning trips with her family and enjoyed introducing close friends to her favorite towns in Europe. Mimi and Jim enjoyed making the family's beach vacations full of fun for the children and their friends as well as for each other.

The Tracy home was always the gathering place for teens to play basketball or simply hang out together. Mimi was a warm and welcoming hostess and a second mom to many of her children's friends. Her dry wit and the sparkle in her eye made her a pleasure to be with. She was a generous and loyal friend. Mimi's gentle grace and bright manner will always be remembered by all who knew her.

She was delighted to have five fine grandchildren and could not conceal her pride and affection for them as well as her niece, nephews and her special extended family members.

Mimi was predeceased by her husband James F. Tracy. She is survived by her son, Patrick Tracy and his wife, Gena of Cornelius and their children Braxton, Sarah Blake, and Aubrey; her devoted daughter, Katherine Tracy Pepper and her husband, Rodney of Concord and Katherine's daughters, Savannah and Ashley; her beloved brother, Charles Van Wagner of Raleigh and his sons, Charlie and James. There was always a place in Mimi's heart for her pets over the years, especially her devoted beagle Tommy.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Mimi's special caregiver Tina Schumaker and her amazing Hospice nurse Max.

A service to honor Mimi's life will be at 11:00 AM Monday, September 20, 2021 at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Sis McArdle

    I really enjoyed listening to and being with your mom at bridge every month. Coming to Charlotte in 1979 she made me feel so at home and comfortable. She was beautiful in and out .Sis McArdle

  • Kyle Hoffman

    I have fond memories of Mrs. Tracy, what a wonderful lady - cheerful, bright and funny. Sending my deepest condolences to Katherine, Patrick and their families. My God comfort and guide you during this difficult time. With love, Kyle

  • Gwen Pepper

    This woman was amazing !!! The obituary is like nothing I’ve ever seen I felt as though I had personally met her!! To Katherine and her brother constant thoughts and prayers for your family’s ….