Tracy Augustine Obituary

Tracy Augustine
April 22, 2024
Tracy Augustine, a radiant soul with an infectious smile, surrounded by the love of family and friends, passed away on April 22, 2024, at the age of 55. She leaves behind a legacy of gratitude, joy, friendship, kindness, resilience and unwavering love.
Tracy grew up in the town of Stratford, CT, in a loving home full of multiple generations of family. She was the eldest of four siblings. Tracy attended St. Joseph High School, Sacred Heart University and the University of Hartford.
Tracy's true calling was a life dedicated to the service to others. She earned her Master's Degree in Education and taught at North Canaan Elementary School. Tracy believed that each child had the potential to shine and worked tirelessly to create a nurturing and worry-free environment in her classroom. She used to reassure her students, "there are no worries in 1st grade!"
Tracy's life was a wonderful blend of traditions. Born into a Catholic family, she was raised with a deep sense of faith and compassion, values that she carried throughout her life. In her 20s, she embarked on a spiritual journey that led her to the study of Buddhism, a path that resonated deeply with her. She began many years of study and exploration and, most recently, served as a novice Zen Buddhist monk with the dharma name, Bo Gam, meaning "Jewel of Gratitude." She began her practice in the mid-1990s-professing her Three Refuge and Five Precepts lay vows in 2019, and Diaconate vows in 2021 with her community, White Lotus Haven Zen of Connecticut. Tracy Bo Gam also served as a Dharma Mentor and Teacher to inmates in the Buddhist Association of the United States Prisoner Correspondence Course.
Tracy had a passion for nature and found peace outdoors, working in her garden, taking care of the birds and taking her dogs for long walks. She enjoyed camping, bird watching, kayaking, hiking and finding new places to explore. She was known for taking in rescue dogs and cats, as she loved them all and just couldn't say "no."
Tracy was a music lover and shared many touching memories of time spent with her dad, listening to songs of the '60s, '70s and then '80s. She always seemed to be able to remember the titles and artists and was tough to beat at music trivia!
Tracy is survived by her partner, Melissa, and son, Andrew, as well as, her dogs and cats. She is also survived by her mother, Karen, her aunt, Barbara, and her three brothers, William (Michelle), Mark (Terri), and Michael (Alicia). She was predeceased by her father, William. She also leaves behind, many nieces and nephews, as well as many uncles, aunts, and cousins.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay, ME -- beautiful place where Tracy regularly enjoyed spending time.
A Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit on the Sacred Heart University campus at 5151 Park Ave., Fairfield, CT, where friends and family are invited to celebrate Tracy's life and share their memories.
May Tracy's memory continue to inspire gratitude, kindness and compassion.