Tracey O'Leary

Marie Terese "Tracey" O’Leary (Riopelle) was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. Surrounded by her family in the comfort of her own home, she passed away on August 8th, 2025, after her courageous battle with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia for 23 years and, more recently, Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Tracey was the ninth of eleven children, born to Rheo and Mary Alice (Maguire) Riopelle on June 26th, 1956.

After graduating from Appleton West High School in 1974, she raised her three boys in her 20s, working at Neenah Paper in customer service due to her outgoing personality and love for people. She also worked in administration for ten years at Calvary Chapel Appleton, where she developed many lifelong friendships along the way. While going through her cancer treatments, one of her most rewarding jobs was being a stay at home mom and teacher to her daughter, Delaney, while she was growing up. Tracey loved playing softball, especially third base because of her rocket of an arm, and she was an exceptionally talented bowler. Spending quality time with her family, going on walks in Door County, and playing with her dogs, Joey and Schatzi, were some of her favorite pastimes. Tracey was a born-again believer who strengthened her faith through fellowship, watching Christian speakers online, and reading and writing in her Bible.

Tracey will always be remembered for her warm and kind personality, empathetic nature, contagious smile and laugh, and her ability to make friends wherever she went. Her strength and courage are an inspiration to others. She never gave up and tried numerous treatment options throughout her fight with cancer, and she had many good years despite her illness, which never defined her. She fought until the very end, and although her family and friends will miss her terribly, they find peace in knowing that she is no longer suffering and is in the presence of the Lord.

Tracey is survived by her husband and soulmate of 25 years, Pat O’Leary; her four beloved children, Chris (Sarah) Gehrt, Bryan (Anjela Powell) Gehrt, Adam (Miriam) Gehrt, and Delaney (Mitchell Priebe) O’Leary; her seven precious grandchildren, Brynn, Raegan, Charlie, Roger, Clark, Zoe, and Eloise Gehrt; her nine siblings and their spouses, Thomas (Kathleen) Riopelle, Lee Anne Scovell, Patrick (Jane) Riopelle, James Riopelle, Joanna Riopelle, Karen (Patrick) DuChateau, Mary (Richard) Bloomer, Dede Riopelle, and Maureen (Robin Baliszewski) Riopelle; her sister-in-law, Ginny Riopelle; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Tracey was preceded in death by her parents, Rheo and Mary Alice Riopelle; her eldest brother, Jack Riopelle; and her brother-in-law, James Scovell.

A funeral visitation will be held for Tracey from 9-11 AM on Friday, August 22, 2025 at Pathways Church, 311 W Evergreen Dr, Appleton, WI 54913 with a funeral service to follow at 11 AM and a luncheon after the service at another location. Tracey will be laid to rest with her parents at St. Mary's Cemetery in Appleton, WI.  Flowers are always appreciated, but a memorial fund is also being established in her name. 

Tracey’s family would like to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at ThedaCare, Lindgren Functional Medicine, and the wonderful, empathetic caregivers of Moments Hospice, for providing quality care, comfort, and peace to Tracey and her family.