Tracy Albert

Mary Grace (Brausch) Albert was born September 27, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois. In 1948, her family built a home on Blackthorn Lane in the Highlands subdivision and moved to Northbrook, IL. As a child, she participated in Girl Scouts and was a member of 4-H, participating in sewing, singing, cooking, and creative craft projects. She graduated from Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, IL in 1959.  While in school, she found a passion for the arts, specifically theater.

She attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and attained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theatre with a Minor in Art in 1963. While at Lawrence, she enjoyed performing in the college theatre and choir productions. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi, Wisconsin Gamma Chapter Sorority. While at Lawrence, she obtained her K-12 teaching certificate with an endorsement in Art Education. In addition, while at college, she decided to go by Tracy instead of “Gracie” as her parents affectionately called her.

Upon graduation she secured her first teaching job at Thomas Middle School in Arlington Heights, IL. Shortly thereafter, she met her future husband, Terry Charles Albert, in Chicago and they were married September 25, 1965. In 1970 she left teaching to become a stay-at-home mom. During this time she enjoyed performing in ice skating shows, in Best Off-Broadway Musicals, creating costumes for plays, gardening, playing tennis, volunteering as the “Art Lady” at her children’s schools, and beginning a side business which included painting pastel portraits and designing soft sculpture art. Much of her art was sold at local businesses in Long Grove and at Woodfield Mall.  In addition, she enjoyed displaying and selling her art in local art shows and painting portraits. The summer Glenview Art Fair on the grounds of Lyons School was always one of her favorite shows to attend. Family life during the late 70’s to mid 90’s included forming many special friendships through the Farmington Bath & Tennis Club.  The family always took annual spring break trips either to Florida or California and an extended summer trip to Door County, Wisconsin, which was shared with both sides of her family.

As her two children began to grow older, in 1986, Tracy decided to return to teaching and was hired by District 95 in Lake Zurich to teach Elementary Art. She taught in the district for 26 years at multiple schools including, Sarah Adams Elementary, May Whitney Elementary, Spencer Loomis Elementary and Isaac Fox Elementary. During this time, Tracy earned her Masters of Arts in Art Education from the University of Illinois, as well as a degree in Instructional Technology. In addition, she studied at the Art Institute of Chicago and Northwestern University. During this time, her personal passion in art diverted from pastels to watercolors. She became a member of the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. She touched countless students with her passion for art and taught art for over 34 years in public education.

Tracy became very involved in the Barrington art scene.   She was a staple at the Barrington Art Festival each spring where she showcased her work and assisted with it’s organization.  She also thoroughly enjoyed creating portraits and building wonderful friendships through the Barrington Cultural Arts Center.  She retired at age 70, but continued her passion of teaching by leading art classes at Main Street Art Gallery in Lake Zurich, IL, as well as substitute teaching in the district and was looking forward to teaching French as a long term substitute this fall. She never wanted to retire; she missed the profession and the students too much! In retirement she became a private art teacher and continued to stay very involved in the local art community.   Over the years she studied and exhibited her artwork in Austria, France, and Norway. She has work in private collections in those countries. One trip in particular which was very special, was her visit to the home of Claude Monet in Giverny, France.  While there, she had the unique opportunity to paint in Monet’s garden. In her own words, “I am passionate about watercolor and never cease to be excited when the loaded brush first touches the paper. I love to witness the explosion of color wet on wet. I am drawn to flowers as subject matter as well as portraits.”

Tracy passed away suddenly and unexpectedly due to an accident near her home on August 12, 2017. She leaves behind her husband of 52 years, Terry, her daughter Tricia (Eric) Kearns and son Todd (Aubrey) and five grandchildren, Kaley and Eric Jr Kearns, Breanna, Riley and Dylan Albert. She is preceded in death by her parents, Edward John Brausch and Sara Nell (Roberts).

Tracy was a caring wife, mother and grandmother and as much as she enjoyed spending time with her art she spent considerable time supporting her kids and grandkids. She will be remembered for her love for her family, her friendships, her students and art.

Visitation services will begin at 4:00pm on Friday August 18th followed by a service at 7:00pm at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main Street (Lake-Cook Rd) Barrington, IL 60010at Davenport Funeral Home in Barrington, IL

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation be made in her honor with the Illinois Art Therapy Association. www.illinoisarttherapy.org