Tracy de Keukelaere

Tracy Rose (Gombert) De Keukelaere

November 21, 1960 – September 17, 2026Tracy Rose (Gombert) De Keukelaere, 65, passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 17, 2026, after a long fight following a series of strokes.Born and raised in Chicago, Tracy was the baby and only girl of Herbert Edward and Rose Margaret Gombert's four children, growing up alongside her three brothers, Terry, Timmy, and Tommy. Chicago remained her home for much of her life, where she married her soulmate, Richard Carl De Keukelaere, and welcomed her greatest accomplishment and biggest source of joy—her one and only baby boy, Jason.Tracy held many jobs throughout her life, but especially loved working as a teacher's aide at Jason's schools and had a special place in her heart for the special-education students she worked with. Her favorite role, however, was always being a mother. And not only to Jason. Tracy became a second mom to many over the years; her door was always unlocked, and there was always room for someone who needed her.Tracy was stubborn, sarcastic, fiercely loving, and completely herself. She loved Halloween, rock and roll, her Bravo shows, and—without question—her TV. Her family will forever remember her with a drink in hand, music videos playing, dancing around the living room and enjoying herself.Tracy and Richard were soulmates and affectionately considered themselves Mr. and Mrs. Tasmanian Devil, after the Looney Tunes character that became their special thing. She later made her home in Malta, Illinois, after losing Richard and her parents.Tracy is survived by her beloved son, Jason De Keukelaere; her brothers, Terry, Timmy, and Tommy Gombert; and the many family members, friends, and honorary children who were fortunate enough to be loved by her. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Carl De Keukelaere, and her parents, Herbert Edward and Rose Margaret Gombert.In October, family and friends will gather to celebrate Tracy's life. A small portion of her ashes will be scattered at the resting place she shares with Richard, followed by a Celebration of Life filled with the music, stories, laughter, and people she loved. Details will be announced by the family.Tracy always said it best:“I love hard and I fight hard.”And that is exactly how she lived.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options, Schiller Park, IL, 60176