It is with profound sadness that the family of Tracy Christine Ward (Golladay) announces her passing on February 18, 2026, at the age of 51. Beloved daughter of Gary James Golladay; her stepmother Barbara Golladay; and mother Carolyn Harris (Tait), and devoted mother to Lucas and Garrett Ward, Tracy was called to the Lord following a sudden and unexpected cardiac event.

Tracy was born on June 3, 1974, at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Spring, Maryland. She grew up in both Silver Spring and Park City, Utah, and summered often in Cape Cod with her maternal grandmother, Margaret Tait (Marceron). There, Tracy experienced the joys of idyllic Wellfleet, forming a life-long attachment to its beaches and tranquil ponds, lazing on the hot sand, and stargazing from Oma’s backyard or among the dunes.

Tracy graduated from Springbrook High School in 1992, and began a multi-faceted career ranging from the airlines, to health care, to finding her true passion as a gifted makeup artist. Following her adventurous spirit, Tracy became a flight attendant in 1996 and moved to San Diego, California as one of her first assignments. Her work allowed her to travel the world, broadening her experiences and deepening her appreciation for beauty in all its forms.

After her travels, Tracy returned to Silver Spring, moving in next door to her father and grandmother, Evelyn Golladay (Chamberlain) – a homecoming back to the secluded woods along Paint Branch where she had grown up with her brothers and many cousins. While there, Tracy first demonstrated her affinity as a loving aunt to her niece, Madeleine Arnoult, which she carried through in adoration of each of her nieces and nephews that followed. To all of them, Aunt Tracy was a favorite, known for her artistry, enthusiasm, fierce love, and uncanny ability at choosing the perfect gift.

Tracy made her own family home in Boonesboro, and her life there reflected her aesthetic taste and deep roots as a Maryland girl. During her time in Frederick and Boonesboro, Tracy delighted in opening her beautiful home to friends and family, and celebrating all occasions – large or small – with loved ones. But her life was elevated to its greatest joys in the birth of her two boys, Lucas and Garrett. More than anything else, Tracy’s boundless love for her sons defined her. Tracy devoted countless hours to football, basketball, and baseball that became a way of life, developing both Lucas and Garrett into accomplished athletes and remarkable young men.

She had a tender and bountiful heart for her loved ones and was uniquely gifted in her abilities and passion for bringing joy and beauty into the lives of those around her. As her sons grew older, Tracy explored new professional areas, working as a medical and orthodontist office manager, and turning her artistic and cosmetic skills into a flourishing career as a makeup artist and licensed esthetician. Tracy was particularly adept at preparing brides for their weddings, who were known to remark “I have never felt so beautiful.” Tracy believed deeply in helping others feel confident and radiant—a gift she shared generously with everyone she touched.

Tracy blessed her wide and intimate circle of friends with her passionate, dynamic, loving spirit, leaving behind countless indelible memories. She is survived, in deep grief and enduring love, by her parents; her sons, Lucas and Garrett Ward; her siblings and their spouses – James & Melissa, Corey & Ursula, and Greg & Melissa – as well as dozens of aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews on both sides of her family.

Tracy’s warmth, creativity, and boundless heart will continue to shine through in the lives she touched. Her family takes comfort in knowing that her spirit lives on in her sons, in the beauty she brought into the world, and in the love she gave so freely. She will be forever missed and forever cherished.

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