Tracey McInerney

Tracey McInerney

May 29, 1968 - November 22, 2025

The family of Tracey McInerney, of Winnipeg Beach, is sad to announce her passing on November 22, 2025, after a short battle with cancer. Tracey is lovingly remembered by her husband, Todd Wood, her mother Beverly, her stepdaughter, Tamara (Brant) and her grandchildren, Lucy, Ryker, and Riot. Also left to mourn is Tracey’s mother-in-law Jean, sisters-in-law, Tanya and Liz, brothers-in-law, Adam and Richard; as well as numerous cousins and extended family members. Tracey was predeceased by her father, Jerry, sister Beverley, and brother Kevin.

Tracey grew up in Regina, Saskatchewan, and was a Riders Fan through and through. After suffering the unimaginable loss of her sister, brother, and father within a short period of time, Tracey and her mother, Bev formed an incredibly close bond. Bev supported Tracey and herself in any way that she could, which often included selling crafts and other handiworks. It’s clear Bev was a strong influence on Tracey developing her own flare for crafting, jewelry making and DIY projects. Tracey kept the memories of her siblings and Dad close to her; she used her dad’s black wallet until it fell apart.

As a young adult, Tracey ventured off to Vancouver, BC and it was there that she met the love of her life and soul mate, Todd, in 1998. Who could resist a man in a band, who drove a motorcycle and had an iguana? Tracey tamed the iguana and she and Todd began their life of adventure together. When Tracey wasn’t following Todd and his band, she began her career in the helping profession. Tracey worked in the mental health field, and she and Todd also became foster parents. Tracey and Todd had a deep love and respect for the high needs children they cared in their home over the years.

Todd and Tracey moved to Manitoba to be closer to Todd’s daughter, Tamara, in 2004. As a couple they planted roots in Winnipeg Beach, where they purchased a cute house near the lake. Tracey took immense pride in her home and would often complete projects while Todd was away; it was not unusual for Todd to return home from a business trip to find a room completely redone, new holes in the walls, or half completed projects. One of Tracey’s most recent creations was her “she-shed” where all her creativity could flow in a girly space of her own! Tracey loved to “bedazzle” things to make them pretty, including the dash of her car, her office supplies at work and anything in between. Tracey had many talents, from home renovations to jewellery making and gardening. She also had a love for entertaining her family and friends; her deck and martini bar were always open, and she enjoyed hosting the annual August Long weekend birthday celebration for Todd!

Over the years, Tracey and Todd’s passion for travel took them to the Galapagos Islands, Sayulita, San Pancho, Isla Mujeres, and Cuba, among other places. They preferred smaller, quaint villages over high traffic tourist areas. It was important for them to immerse themselves in the culture and make connections with local people. During a very special trip to Huatulco, Mexico, on February 2, 2013, Tracey and Todd were married on the beach, celebrating their love with family and friends.  They were adventurous travelers, experiencing everything they could during their visits. Sometimes even taking a suitcase of school supplies and clothing to support the local children.

In May 2007, after a short time as an Educational Assistant in Gimli, Tracey found the profession she was always meant to have and began her career as a social worker in the Interlake Region. She continued her dedicated work there until just a few months ago, when her health forced her to take ‘a few sick days’; something Tracey rarely did. Tracey carried a yellow work bag that said, “Trust Me, I’m a Social Worker” and anyone she worked with knew they could believe that statement. Tracey arrived at each home and each meeting in her quiet, unassuming way with an open heart and not an ounce of judgement; only care, compassion, kindness and empathy. She had an incredible ability to put herself in someone else’s shoes even when she had not walked the same path. Tracey was a tireless advocate for the families she worked with throughout her career, first as a child protection worker, then with foster families and more recently in her role as a Supported Guardianship worker. Tracey was quick to respond to calls from a family or community member in need and always went beyond the call of duty to be present, to help troubleshoot a problem, or provide comforting and encouraging words.

Tracey was equally supportive to her colleagues. She was the heart of the Gimli District Office and a pillar of strength and wisdom for anyone seeking guidance. Tracey always led by example and was consistently ready to listen to others; she was a sounding board for anyone who needed to talk or share a heart-warming or heartbreaking story. She was everyone’s cheerleader and she wanted to be a part of making the world a better place. Tracey was very ambitious and loved doing charts, perfecting power point presentations, compiling educational tools, creating forms and she aimed to make paperwork as easy on others as possible.

Tracey brought joy to the office with her positive spirit and passion for decorating for the holidays; she would arrive early in the morning to transform the office before anyone arrived for work; Halloween and Christmas were her favourite occasions. Her buddy Dale, a life-size doll she created, was a favourite in the office; always dressed appropriately for any occasion and he even made his way to be with her at the hospital as “Nurse Dale” in her final days. 

In addition to her many talents, Tracey was a fashionista. She had a hat for every occasion, with high heels and the perfect accessories to complete her look. She effortlessly put together meticulous outfits from thrift store finds. Even while doing rural child protection work, Tracey never strayed from her own personal style. Underneath her hats was often a new hairstyle or colour and even during treatment, when she lost her hair, she said she was ok with it because having no hair was a style she hadn’t yet tried.

Tracey’s story would not be complete without mentioning how important her friends and family were to her. Tracey took a sincere interest in their lives and well-being, offering her support and the occasional sarcastic comment, clever joke or gentle eye roll. Tracey was cautious of babies in her work life and enjoyed them from a safe distance, but she was an amazing, loving grandmother to Lucy, Ryker, and Riot. She was most of proud of these three; always ready to share a picture or story when her friends asked. Tracey’s love and devotion to her husband Todd was inspirational. Their Thursday night dates were a testament to their unwavering commitment to each other.

Tracey managed her illness with the same grace and dignity with which she lived her life. Even as she was nearing the end of her journey, she was concerned about how everyone else was coping, rather than focusing on how unfair it was for cancer to steal her future. Everyone who knew Tracey, loved Tracey, and we are all better people for having her in our lives. She will be profoundly missed, forever remembered and forever loved.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Humane Society; Tracey’s fur-babies, Fred and Nikki, held a special place in Tracey’s heart and were beloved members of her family.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tracey McInerney, please visit our floral store.