Therese (Tracy) Marie Virant, 67, died surrounded by family on July 25, 2022, a few weeks after suffering a massive heart attack. Tracy was a devoted sister, aunt, great aunt, and friend. She will be remembered for her fierce independence and devotion to others.
Born to Ann and Aloysius Virant in Cincinnati, Ohio, Tracy grew up in Dallas, Texas. She attended Ursuline Academy before graduating from Texas Tech University in 1976 with a BA in social work. Tracy was a social worker for several years before she started a career in personnel for Sheraton Hotel in downtown Dallas and later for Damon Clinical Laboratories. At age 43, Tracy made a big life change and moved to Fairhope, Alabama where she owned a pottery shop, Plate and Platter. Ten months later she suffered a serious stroke which left her significantly paralyzed on the right side of her body. Although the doctors said she would never again work, drive, or live independently, Tracy proved them wrong. Her strength, determination, and perseverance served her well as she worked for several years after the stroke and led an independent life until her passing.
Tracy loved to volunteer and became a Big Sister through Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America. She also volunteered at Medical City of Dallas for many years and for several other local non-profits. She proudly participated in therapeutic horseback riding at Stable Strides Farm where she won many awards and volunteered as a fundraiser. With the help of her friend and physical therapist, Patsy Shropshire, she competed in Masters-level swimming, despite only having the use of one arm and one leg.
Tracy’s greatest joy came from being the ever-doting Aunt and later Great Aunt, attending her nieces' and nephews' sporting events, plays, and other activities. She enjoyed spending time at the lake, traveling, dining out with family and friends, and baking. Most summer weekends you could find her at the Rosser Square swimming pool in her beloved neighborhood where she enjoyed hosting parties for family or friends.
Tracy is proceeded in death by her parents and her brother, Mark Virant. She is survived by her sisters; Sue Wunderlick (George), Laura Einspanier (Jim), and sister-in-law Jeanine Virant, nephews; Matthew Virant (Colleen), Chris Virant, Steve Virant (Haley), Joe Wunderlick (April), GJ Wunderlick, and Andrew Einspanier (Julia), nieces; Julie Huerter (Drew), Becca Holterhoff (Chris), and Sarah Einspanier, along with ten great nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on August 20, at noon at St. Monica Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Road, Dallas, TX, followed by Words of Remembrance. A reception will follow at the Einspanier residence.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Stable Strides Farm at http://stablestridesfarm.org/donate or 4400 Withers Avenue, Flower Mound, TX 75028.
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