Tracey Ann Hovda

Message from Armand & Anna

I will miss Tracey's humor and wisdom greatly. She was a great help, guide and contact as we embarked on our PhD journey together. We will watch 'Arsenic and Old Lace' and think of her. As for Narwhals, well, they're synonymous with Tracey always.

A candle was lit by Armand & Anna on May 21, 2017 2:09 PM

A candle was lit by Teri Jo Hay on May 20, 2017 12:38 AM

Message from Carmen (Hebl) Nomann, a second cousin on Hovda side

Sending peace and healing to families of Susan, Peter, & Steve; relatives, ,friends, educational/work cohorts, and others touched by Tracey's being.

It is so heartening to read tributes about Tracey's innate kindness and friendliness which allowed her as a young, small-town girl to blossom in another environment and spread seeds of understanding, learning and love..

Dawna Markov's poem and book, "I Will Not Die an Unlived Life." comes to mind;
" I choose to risk my significance to live so that which came to me as a seed goes to the next as a blossom, and that which came to me as blossom, goes on as fruit.",

Expression of Sympathy

An A GARDEN PATH was ordered on May 17, 2017

Expression of Sympathy

A PREMIUM FRUIT AND GOURMET BASKET was sent on May 16, 2017

Dear Steve, Susan, Pete & Families, We are sad to hear of Tracey's passing. You have always had a special place in our hearts! I believe that was gift from our Moms.. You're in our prayers.. Love, Marjorie and Donald Ptacek's Children (Dick, Chuck, Shirley, John, Cathy, Annette, Larry Joann & Tom)

Expression of Sympathy

A DIGNITY IN WHITE PEDESTAL ARRANGEMENT was ordered on May 15, 2017

Expression of Sympathy

A The FTD Sunny Sentiments Bouquet was ordered on May 13, 2017

Message from Angela, from Leicester

Tracey, we had so many laughs whenever I told you about how much I talk about the full moon - I will think about you every time I see the moon, now and forever. You are greatly missed.

A candle was lit by Jill Jennings Marrs on May 10, 2017 5:53 PM

A candle was lit by Stefania Zardini Lacedelli on May 10, 2017 12:15 PM

Message from Sandra Dudley, Tracey's former MA dissertation supervisor at the University of Leicester

I first got to know Tracey when she first came to the School of Museum Studies, to pursue her MA, and I loved working with her on her fabulous MA dissertation on Nordic ritual and material culture. She was so enthused by her subject, and our meetings often felt more like sitting listening to a wonderful storyteller. Tracey was so warm-hearted and generous-spirited - and funny, too. She was great company; but always the kindest and most thoughtful of interlocutors, too. It was wonderful to spend time with her again on her return to us more recently. She became such a vital and vibrant part of our community, and we are going to miss her very much. My deepest condolences to her family and friends.

A candle was lit by Martin Earring, NMAI, via Viv Golding on May 9, 2017 2:25 PM

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Tracey along with the National Museum of the American Indian (NMAI) staff helped open the NMAI to the world in fall of 2004 to 1.5-2 million visitors during our inaugural year. Tracey was a dedicated worker with a compassionate heart, a good listener, and always wore a friendly smile.

Tracey used to walk several miles per day from one Smithsonian museum to the next to make sure her volunteer staff were well informed of the daily events around the SI community and they adored her for her hard work and dedication.

Martin Earring will say a prayer, in Lakota, for Tracey and her family (9.5.17)

Message from Stine Grønbæk Jensen, fellow ph.d. student and friend, Leicester

Tracey, thank you for your generosity, your warm laughter and the beautiful stories you shared with me; told with humour and strange American sayings, comprising sorrows and happiness, anxiety and courage, thunderstorms, old trees, cats and mythic characters. I will never forget you.

A candle was lit by Shanghai，China on May 8, 2017 2:00 PM

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I can't believe we lost you，dear Tracey. You were so kind to me and you were one of the best people I've met in UK. Thanks for your hugs and patience. Thanks for letting me cry on your shoulder when I feel sad and lonely. I will always remember those happy time we spent together. You will forever remain in my heart, May you rest in peace.

your classmate and friend
Olivia Lu

A candle was lit by Olivia Lu on May 8, 2017 1:50 PM

A candle was lit by Yon Jai Kim on May 8, 2017 1:26 PM

Message from Yon Jai Kim (School of Museum Studies, Leicester)

I would like to express my deepest sympathy. I will always remember you, Tracey,

Message from From the Head of the School of Museum Studies, Leicester

We were all so sorry to hear of Tracey's passing and we send our condolences to her family and friends.

In April last year Tracey came over to England to participate in our anniversary conference and came with me on a trip to Stratford upon Avon. I remember how happy she was to be back in the UK and how she loved all the Shakespeare houses. I will always think of Tracey sitting in the garden of Hall's Croft in the sunshine having a good time with some of our other students. She was much loved and will be sorely missed.

A candle was lit by Amornchat Sermcheep on May 8, 2017 10:15 AM

A candle was lit by The PhD Students and Staff at the School of Museum Studies, University of Leicester on May 8, 2017 10:05 AM

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Dear family Hovda,

I am writing on behalf of the staff and PhD students at the University of Leicester’s School of Museum Studies. We are all devastated to learn of Tracey's untimely death.

Tracey studied with us for her Master’s degree in Museum Studies. She took my education option and shared with a number of us in the School her love of world cultures, a deep respect for the diversity of humanity and a concern for human rights. We were delighted when Tracey decided to join us for her PhD research in October 2016 and are so very grateful to her for taking on the role of PhD Student Representative. She always spoke with such passion about her research into the narwhal and we think her work on this important project will inspire future scholars.

It is impossible to express the loss we all feel. Tracey will always remain in our thoughts and memories. Dear Tracey, we are so very lucky to have known you.

Viv Golding

A candle was lit by Claire Huang on May 8, 2017 9:49 AM

Message from Claire Huang

My sincere condolences to the Hovda family. Praying for all of you

Message from Maria Chatzimanolidaki

Such horrible news... The world lost an angel. I was so lucky to meet you during our MA in England. May you rest in peace my dear friend.....

Message from Noma Kutalad

I can't believe this day has arrived. It's too soon!
You are a wonderful and warm-hearted friend. I always felt good to receive supportive big hugs from you when we studied MA together. Thank you very much for everything that you've done for me and your friendship. It's a pleasure to know you. I will always remember good times we had in Leicester.
All my condolence to Tracy's family. May her spirit rest in peace.

Message from Noma Kutalad

I can't believe that this day has arrived, It's too soon!
You are such a wonderful and warm-hearted friend. I always feel good when I receive you supportive big hugs from you when we studied MA together. Thank you for your friendship and everything that you've done for me. It's such a pleasure to know you and be friends. I will always remember the good times we had together. My condolence to Tracy's family. May her spirit rest in peace.

Message from Xiaonan Xiong

I would never forget every hug from you

A candle was lit by Xiaonan Xiong on May 8, 2017 5:41 AM

Message from Xiaonan Xiong

I would never forget every hug from you 🕯️

Message from Sipei Stephanie Lu

So sorry for your loss. Tracey was a lovely colleague here in the School of Museum Studies, University of Leicester. She was always friendly and helpful. Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

A candle was lit by Stephanie Bowry on May 7, 2017 12:15 PM

Message from Molly Capek

So sorry for your loss! She was an amazing woman!

A candle was lit by Nancy Durst on May 6, 2017 12:07 PM

Message from John Morse

My sincere condolences to the Hovda family. Tracey and I worked at the Smithsonian together and became good friends. We talked a lot about our families and family history. She had a beautiful soul and a heart of gold. May God bless you all during this time of loss. You are in my prayers.

A candle was lit by William Hao on May 5, 2017 4:05 PM

Message from Ken and Jeanne Wright

So sorry to hear of to early a passing. Praying for all of you

A candle was lit by Dennis & Vickie Yeiter on May 4, 2017 7:41 PM

Message from Sally Peterso.n Lacey

So sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you.
Sally

A candle was lit by Mike &Sherri Thompson on May 3, 2017 3:27 PM

A candle was lit by Tim and Sandy Fenton on May 3, 2017 8:59 AM

Message from Jackson Family

We would like to express our deepest sympathy. May those precious memories be foremost in your hearts and minds during this difficult time.
Isaiah 25:8

Message from Katherine Neill Ridgley

Such terrible news...She was SO happy to be living and studying in England, and, as a former Smithsonian coworker, I was thrilled that she found something she truly loved doing and experiencing. She was truly a gentle soul. May she rest in peace...

A candle was lit by ValJean Thorsen on May 2, 2017 12:06 PM

Message from Carl and Toby Rabbin (Smithsonian Volunteers)

Our condolences to your family. We were volunteers at the Smithsonian when Tracy worked there, and we got to know her well. Even after she left that position, she'd come back to visit and have lunch with us. It was always a delight to catch up with her. She was interested in what we were up to, and she was so open and honest about her life. We missed her after she left the Smithsonian, but we were happy to know she was living in a place she loved, pursuing a course of study that meant a lot to her. She will remain in our hearts.

Message from Lynn Fraser

Our most sincere condolences to all of Tracey's family. We feel like we know you from discussions over the 26 years since we first met Tracey. Lynn & Andrei

A candle was lit by Lynn &Andrei on May 2, 2017 10:39 AM

A candle was lit by Jimmy Locklear - SI - National Museum of the American Indian on May 2, 2017 10:06 AM

A candle was lit by Michael Hackshaw on May 2, 2017 10:02 AM

Message from Toby and Carl Rabbin

Our condolences to your family. We were volunteers at the Smithsonian when Tracy worked there, and we got to know her well. Even after she left that position, she'd come back to visit and have lunch with us. It was always a delight to catch up with her. She was interested in what we were up to, and she was so open and honest about her life. We missed her after she left the Smithsonian, but we were happy to know she was living in a place she loved, pursuing a course of study that meant a lot to her. She will remain in our hearts.

Message from Agnes Yackshaw

To the Hovda Family: I am very sorry for your loss of your beloved sister, Tracey. She was a good friend to me for many years and I will miss her very much. Tracey and her family are in my thoughts and prayers. I will light at Candle for you all at the National Shrine here in Washington, DC. Most Sincere Sympathy for the Hovda Family, Agnes Yackshaw

A candle was lit by Agnes Yackshaw on May 2, 2017 9:04 AM

A candle was lit by Todd and Sheila Wilson on May 2, 2017 1:44 AM

Message from Mary Lou Gilbert-Crilly

Thoughts and Prayers to Tracey's family. So sorry for your loss.

A candle was lit by Mary Lou Gilbert-Crilly on May 1, 2017 8:02 PM