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June 2, 2024

Newsletter for the Offshore Residents of Pittwater, Australia - Volume 25, Issue 1208

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Custodians of Pittwater, as well as our Indigenous readers

Vale

TRACY SMITH

Tracy Smith, a long-term resident of Scotland Island, died on Friday, 31 May after a lengthy illness. Below Jonathan and Linda, formerly of the island, pay tribute to their neighbour and friend.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to a much cherished friend.

In any environment Tracy was a powerhouse and force to be reckoned with. Departing Scotland Island in 2020, Tracy and Paul had lived on and been a very active member of the island community for some 35 years.

A member of Scotland Island Players, the choir, a book club and an artist, Tracy involved herself across a wide aspect of the community. Tracy loved her family and friends but community, to her, was the beating heart of the soul of place. Indeed, she had transformed her new rural home in Wootton, injecting a spirit of community there.

Tracy and Paul were our neighbours for 13 years on the island and in that time became dear friends. When Tracy left the island she had to deal with several cancers and in true strength of character she did that with a positive heart and strong spirit. Unfortunately, her final blow was brain cancer…just one cancer too many.

And even in the bleakness of this diagnosis she still had a smile and lived right up to the end.

And I guess we all ask, regarding life, did we make a difference to the world and have we left a legacy? Recognising the lives that we have touched and our contribution can be a tricky thing and I pose that most of us may question if we have achieved a positive contribution to the greater good.

In that regard I feel that Tracy’s legacy cannot be ignored: the hundreds of children that she took by the hand with great love and guided them through the beginning of their artistic journey in life; on a different level the hundreds of children she steered through the adventures of Duke of Edinburgh training; in her spare time the numerous art classes she held in various mediums to help those of us less talented to blossom in a newfound artistic pursuit.

And not to be understated, her amazing passion for people, being able to bring souls together and nurture community. All of this done with love, support and encouragement, which is a true blessing indeed. And this is not even starting on the beautiful works she has left behind. A few, thankfully, installed in our home.

Our love to Paul, Eleanor and Luke. Keep strong and let the love of your families and friends carry you through these challenging times.

Jonathan and Linda

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The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of the Scotland Island Residents Association (SIRA),

or the Western Pittwater Community Association (WPCA)