Tracy Ann Mannes

Tracy (De Grazia) Mannes 

July 13, 1969 – December 21, 2024

 Tracy Ann (De Grazia) Mannes, age 55, of Climax, MI., passed away December 21, 2024, surrounded by her husband and children after a fierce two-and-a-half-year battle with advanced ovarian cancer. Her love for Jesus and her devotion to her faith was steadfast, even through great pain and suffering she showed us grace and strength. 

Tracy is survived by Jim Mannes, her devoted husband of 31 years; her children, Alex Mannes, Anson (Angela) Mannes, Coryne (Jacob) Fisher, and grandson Graham Mannes, who brought her so much joy in her final months. Tracy is also survived by her loving parents Tom and Kathleen De Grazia, and siblings Kim (Rick) Adler; Kelly Oliver, Lisa (Dave) Iselli; Scott Manteuffel; Mike Kubik; Andy Kubik; Doug (Mandy) Kubik; and Sarah Kubik; as well as her father-in-law Dave Mannes; mother-in-law Joyce Mannes; sister-in-law Laurie (Don) Balkema; brothers-in-law Steve (Sarah) Mannes, and Andy (Meg) Mannes. Tracy is also survived by 30 nieces and nephews and 11 great-nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother Sally (Nolan) De Grazia; sister Beth (Kubik) Manteuffel; uncle Al De Grazia, and cousins Ross Arnold and Sal Monaco.

A nurturer to her core, Tracy fostered a sense of community and family that drew people to her. Her tight-knit family extended to her friend of 40 years, Lori (Cale) Stechow, who rallied by Tracy’s side during her illness; and included many close friends in her small town of Climax whose kids called Tracy their “other” mother and who will miss her terribly. 

Tracy was born July 13, 1969, to Tom and Sally De Grazia in Detroit, MI. Tracy, the youngest of four daughters, grew up with her sisters as built-in best friends as the family moved with Tom’s career to Oakland, NJ; Plymouth, MI; and Venezuela. Her outgoing, fun, and whimsical personality allowed Tracy to form meaningful lifelong relationships in her personal life and career.

A 1987 graduate of Plymouth-Salem, H.S., Tracy earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Western Michigan University in 1993, where she also met her husband Jim while working at The Club Soda. Tracy had a bimodal career, where first she was a stay-at-home mom and raised her three children to adulthood on their six-acre home affectionately called, “Mannes Mountain.” Tracy had an enormous vegetable and flower garden, occasionally raised farm animals, and enjoyed canning and cooking fabulous meals for her family. Tracy and Jim enjoyed outdoor activities together including fishing and traveling to their remote cabin on an island in Canada. 

Later in life, Tracy discovered her true professional vocation in early childhood education. She received her Early Childhood Montessori accreditation from Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute in 2015. What followed was an impressive career as an educator where Tracy worked in the Climax school system as a para pro and autistic coach, and then as a Montessori teacher where she was ultimately the Dean of Students at Light of Christ Academy at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Richland. Tracy leaves behind hundreds of families whose lives are enriched because of her approach to building confidence and self-esteem in her students which extends far beyond their graduation.

Throughout her illness, Tracy left encouraging notes and stickers for her family and friends to discover in cupboards and other hiding places. In our grief, she continues to show us the hope in Christ and the beauty of her faith. 

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 27 from 4:00-7:00 PM, at Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home in Portage, MI. There will be a rosary on Friday beginning at 6:45pm at the funeral home. A Mass of Christian Burial for Tracy will be Saturday, December 28 at 11:00 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 12648 East D Ave, Augusta, MI.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Tracy's guestbook and/or share your favorite memory with her family. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance or to the Light of Christ Academy Scholarship Fund/Tracy Mannes. Tracy may the angels welcome you to paradise. 

The Mannes family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home, 5975 Lovers Lane, Portage, MI 49002 (269) 344-5600.