Tracey Patterson

Tracey Patterson, 62, of Mishawaka, IN unexpectedly passed away at her home on Thursday, January 29th, 2026. She was born on August 8th, 1963 in Stony Brook, NY.

Tracey grew up in rural Vermont with three brothers and one sister, and later in life moved to Mishawaka, IN.Tracey lived her life as an example of how love should be shown. She never knew a stranger, and her larger than life personality remained with everyone that had the opportunity to know her. Tracey worked as an office manager at a dental office until her retirement in 2014. Throughout the many years of her employment, she impacted the lives of countless people with her one-of-a-kind sense of humor, her compassion, and her ability to make anyone feel loved and cared for. Tracey met her soulmate and the love of her life, Steve Patterson, in 2011, and they later married in 2012. Together they shared their love of the beach, travel, and creating the most beautiful gardens and flowerbeds in their backyard that they spent countless days and nights enjoying together time on their deck. She loved her “Clark” and frequently referred to him as her “happily ever after”.

Tracey was a diehard Notre Dame Football and IU Football fan, often rooting for both teams on Saturdays during the fall. She loved Christmas and would decorate her house to make it look straight out of a magazine. She loved music, specifically John Denver and Kenny Chesney. But most importantly, Tracey’s greatest passion was found in rescuing dogs. Throughout the years, Tracey extended her love to rescuing senior dogs and giving them the life that all dogs deserved, a life filled with love, comfort, and bacon.

Tracey was a fiercely devoted mother. There are not enough words to describe the love she had for her son, Zach Tromp. He was her pride and joy, and she was the most selfless, caring, and adoring mother that a son could ever ask for. She was also a loving grandma, “Gigi”, to her grandson, Riggs Tromp. They could always be found together playing with the water in the bathroom sink.

Tracey is survived by her husband Steve Patterson of Mishawaka, her son Zach Tromp of Osceola, her grandson Riggs Tromp, her brother Bill (Kathy) Schellong of White River Junction, VT, her brother Carl (Dana) Schellong of South Royalton, VT, her sister Tammy Schellong of Randolph, VT, her brother Steve (Ally) Schellong of Seattle, WA, her sister-in-law Cindy Davis (Russ), and her newest rescue dog Benny Patterson. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Tracey’s love, laughter, and spark for life and fun times will be deeply missed by all that had the honor of having her in their lives.

A celebration of her life with all of her family and friends will be held in the spring; details will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Love of Labs Pet Rescue or to your local pet shelters.

McGann Hay Funeral Home has been entrusted to assist the family. To share memories and to leave condolences, please visit www.mcgannhay.com.