June 2nd, 2021, marked the beginning of a new journey for Anne Tracy, of Pittston, PA. Known affectionately to her family as Oma, Anne was born on July 1st, 1929, the daughter of the late Edward J. and Molly O’Malley Keating, of the Cork Lane section of Pittston Twp. The youngest of four children, Anne was preceded in death by her husband, Michael J.; her son, Ned; her grandson, Max; her daughter-in-law, Lorraine Button Tracy, along with her brothers, Jimmy Keating, Ned Keating, Paul Keating, and his wife, Genevieve Carozza Keating, with whom she had a special, lifelong bond. We would be remiss not to include the great friendship forged with her traveling companion, Mary Lou Dommermuth, who also preceded in her death and whom she missed tremendously.
The absolute joy of Anne’s life were the people who occupied her daily thoughts and prayers: daughter, Molly Tracy, of Forty Fort, PA; son, Michael, and his wife Dawn Timmeney, of Wayne, PA; son, Thom, and his wife, Karen Kelly Tracy, of West Pittston, PA. Although her son, Ned, and grandson Max, had not been physically with her for decades, she carried the cross of their tragic deaths with strength and dignity-- and her son’s and grandson’s spirits and goodness carried her through the overwhelming burden of grief and sorrow.
It’s safe to say that the love she had for her grandchildren may have been the core of Anne’s being. She was a devoted, tireless grandmother to Thom and Karen’s sons, Quinn, Ian, and Colin Tracy, toting them proudly just about everywhere in the early years. To say that she missed only a few of the boys’ school milestones, sporting events or life celebrations would likely be an exaggeration. Anne spent considerable joyous times with Mike’s sons, Max and Eamon Tracy, relishing visits and holiday gatherings with her granddaughter, Oona Timmeney-Tracy
Anne delighted in visits from her many nieces and nephews, frequently entertained with stories while also comforted by medical counsel from her brother’s son, Dr. Paul Keating. Having a significant sweet tooth and a flair for fashion, gifts of candy, cookies, and couture from her nieces— Grace Keating Morgan and Rosemary McCanna Mullock— were cherished by Aunt Anne. She also enjoyed birthday gifts delivered by her godson, Billy Dessoye.
The essence of Anne’s personal makeup was her spirituality and passion for charitable pursuits. She was a devout Catholic who regularly attended mass and volunteered at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Pittston. For many years, Anne devoted considerable time to the Pittston Library and Meals on Wheels. If Oma or her husband, Mike, encountered a person in need, they would offer nine cents out of a dime and make do with the rest. Anne contributed to the church and numerous charitable causes, always displaying a deep concern for the less fortunate.
Anne’s baking skills were beyond compare. Her apple pie, Texas sheet cake, creme de menthe cake, and Easter “lamb cake” pleased countless palates at parties and family gatherings.
Prior to retiring in 1994, Anne spent more than 30 years as a steward of customer relationships at Mitchell Lumber Yard in Pittston. She began her working years in the 1940s as an operator for Bell Telephone, where she made lifelong friends before calling it quits to raise her children. At Mitchell’s, Anne befriended many local contractors and homeowners whose friendships endured to this day. Transcending the typical employer relationship, “Annie” formed a special bond with Joe and Kathy and the entire Mitchell family.
It would take too much space to individually list the folks who had an impact on Anne’s life—and she on theirs. The family does wish to thank Linda Judge, Lori Jordan, Cathy Kopcza, and Anita Popple, who were extraordinary in-home caregivers. We also extend our thanks and gratitude to Dr. Kevin Musto, the staff at Kingston Health Care Center and Geisinger-Wyoming Valley, where Anne passed serenely surrounded by family. The late Dr. Joseph Bruno was likewise a trusted medical provider to Anne for many years.
Anne’s life was overwhelmingly defined by her kindness, generosity, and the family and friends whom she loved unconditionally. We take solace knowing that she is reunited with those who preceded her in this new journey. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a worthy charity, in the spirit of Anne’s continual concern for those in financial and spiritual need.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, June 8, 2021, at 11:00am in St. John the Evangelist Church, 35 William Street, Pittston.The family will receive friends and relatives in church from 9am until time of mass.Interment, parish cemetery.For safety, we ask that you wear a face covering. Arrangements are entrusted to Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston.