Beloved matriarch, nurse, volunteer, adventurer

Dorothy (“Dot”) Ann Dougherty Tracey died peacefully on August 27. “She lived a long and full life dedicated to family, faith, friends, career, outdoor adventures, and community,” her family shared. “She balanced this dedication with humor and love of the beach, mountains and a healthy lifestyle.”

“Dot” was born May 26, 1928 in Kane, Pennsylvania, the daughter of David and Anna (McKenna) Dougherty, along with her older sisters Louise Haskin and Marian Ackley. As a child she spent her summers on the Allegheny River with her mother and sisters at the family’s rustic cabin. There, she would boat, fish, hunt, and hike all over the river valley and hills.

She attended Kane High School, where she thrived in many extracurricular activities and according to her senior yearbook, was “forever in a hurry.” Her favorite was downhill skiing, where she competed in the slalom and, at the time, was considered one of the best in northwestern Pennsylvania and western New York.

After graduating from Kane High in 1946 she entered nursing school at Millard Fillmore Hospital in Buffalo, New York. She graduated with a nursing credential and took a position as a registered surgical nurse at the hospital.

She met Gerald (“Jerry”) C. Tracey in 1950, on a date set up by his sister Mary. They married in Kane on July 14, 1951. From 1952 to 1956 the couple lived in western New York, primarily Middleport, where their children John, Mike, Ann, and Chris were born. Jerry’s job then took the family to Dallas, Texas, and ultimately to Claremont in 1958.

From 1959 until 1966 Mary, Tom, Tim and Patty were born in Upland and Pomona. “Apparently, eight was enough for Dot and Jer!” her family commented. She returned to work in the early 1970s as a registered nurse at Casa Colina Hospital in Pomona. She also continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in hospital administration from the University of La Verne. She moved up the leadership chain at Casa Colina, ultimately becoming director of outpatient care, among a number of other management roles.

“Dot balanced her career as a mother, taking great pride in attending and encouraging all of her children’s pursuits, especially in academics, athletics and the arts,” her family said. “She treasured her good friends in Claremont; from the church, the quarterback club/sports boosters, Casa Colina, and some of her children’s friend’s parents.”

In retirement, she returned to her roots as an outdoor enthusiast, actively seeking adventures in biking, kayaking and skiing with the Los Angeles chapter of the “Over The Hill Gang.” She also enjoyed spending time with her family, her friends, and was active as a parishioner and volunteer with Our Lady of the Assumption Church, including its daily Mass “breakfast club.” She also volunteered with the Red Cross, the City of Claremont Senior Program, and the Economy Shop thrift store, among others. She received Claremont Senior Program’s Over and Above Award in 2007.

She moved into Mt. San Antonio Gardens in 2013, where she had served on one of the board of directors’ subcommittees. There she renewed long-term Claremont friendships and made new friends while enjoying a number of the life care community’s social activities. “In her later years, Dot received excellent loving care from the Garden’s Harrison Villa staff. The family will be forever grateful to them,” they added.

“Dot will be missed by many, especially her family,” they shared. “As a matriarch of a large Irish Catholic family, with the adventure, challenges and humility it brings, she and others were better for it in her roles as a wife, mother, parishioner, professional, community servant, adventurer and friend.”

She was preceded in death by her husband Gerald and son John.

She is survived by her children Mike (Val) and grandchildren Ryan (Florinda), Sean and Taryn (Ryan); Chris (Laurie) and grandchildren David (Stephany) and Megan; Ann; Mary; Tom (Sue) and grandchildren Brock (Erin), Logan and Morgan; Tim and grandchildren Taylor and Jordan (Ashley); and Patty Preston (Bob) and grandchild Zoey. She is also survived by six — soon to be seven — great-grandchildren.

Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 20 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church, 435 N. Berkeley Ave., Claremont, CA 91711, with interment following at Oak Park Cemetery, 410 Sycamore Ave., Claremont, CA 91711. A celebration of life reception will follow at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Claremont, 555 W. Foothill Blvd., Claremont, CA 91711.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Economy Shop at econclaremont.com/donate, or by check to 325 W. First St., Claremont, CA 91711.