Dr. Jean Tracy, 81, of Elmhurst, IL, passed away on November 29, 2022 .
Jean was born on March 14, 1941 to Imogene and Ruben Fechner, Sr. in Waco, TX. Dr. Tracy earned both her B.A.(1962) and Ph.D.(1971) from Texas Christian University, where she met her husband, Robert J. Tracy, and after graduating, they moved to Elmhurst where she has been a licensed clinical psychologist in Illinois since1981, and raised their 2 children, Kathryn and Cynthia. She has been named a distinguished faculty member in 1972, at Elmhurst College, where she taught psychology as a professor. She was named an outstanding educator in 1993, by the students of Forrest Institute of Professional Psychology, where she was a clinical professor. Dr. Tracy also practiced martial arts for over many years, during which she attained her 2nd Degree Black Belt.
Jean excelled at propping up her children, grandchildren, and many friends and supporting them through the many passions and difficulties of their lives. Whether that was singing out loud to everyone she met, making others laugh, or giving her shoulder to cry upon, she made it her mission to improve the lives of others.
Jean was a passionate mother and clinical therapist who filled the world with her warmth and kindness. We will all miss her greatly.
If you had the honor of working with her and need to talk to someone for continued care, please email
Jean was predeceased by her daughter, Kathryn T. Salzano, and nephews Michael Fechner and Stephen Tracy, Jr. She is survived by her daughter Cindy Cooper, and grand-children, Stefan Salzano and wife, Karli, Sean Allen, Caterina Salzano, Ryan Allen, Juliana Salzano and Jacob Allen, son-in-laws Antonio Salzano and Lonnie Cooper, ex-husband and great friend Robert J Tracy, brother Ruben F Fechner, Jr and wife Sandra, and nephews Ruben Fechner III, Melvin Fechner, Scott Tracy, Kenneth Tracy and niece Caroline Rukin and their many children, and brother-in-law Stephen Tracy, Sr.
To honor Dr. Tracy's abundant life, we are holding a celebration of her life at 4:30 pm on Jan. 13, 2023 at the Founder's Lounge, Elmhurst University, 190 Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, IL 60126. We invite anyone who knew her to attend and remember her wonderful life. We ask attendees to wear bright colors in celebration. Immediately following the service, we will offer food at Manny's Ale House at 683 St Charles Rd, Elmhurst, IL 60126.
May we always remember and honor her.