Tracy Marcantonio Rakotomalala, known affectionately to her friends from Grand Canyon University (GCU) as Tracy MarcAntonio, has tragically passed away after a valiant battle with stage 4 breast cancer. Her fight ended on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, surrounded by her family. Tracy, originally from Tucson, Arizona, had spent much of her recent years in Madagascar as a missionary, a lifelong dream that she fulfilled with fervor and dedication.
Tracy was described by her close friend, Audrey Wright, as a person of unmatched kindness, humor, and dedication to service. "This is my friend Tracy Rakotomalala. Those of us from GCU knew her as Tracy MarcAntonio. I don’t have the words to truly tell you what an amazing person she was," Wright shared on Facebook, alongside a plea for support through a GoFundMe campaign (https://gofund.me/abdc95ea). According to Wright, Tracy was "hilarious and fun" but also "extremely kind and wanted most of all to help others." Even while battling cancer, Tracy continued to serve the community in Madagascar, where she lived with her husband and two sons.
Her return to the United States a year ago was to care for her recently widowed mother, illustrating her selfless nature up to her last days. Her commitment to her faith and others was a beacon of hope and love, touching everyone she met.
In remembrance of Tracy’s remarkable life and spirit, a celebration of life is scheduled for May 25th at 1 pm. Details can be found on her Facebook page. Meanwhile, the GoFundMe campaign organized by Sarah Bacher has raised $1,680 of its $5,000 goal, with contributions from 17 donors, including a significant anonymous donation of $500. The community continues to rally support for Tracy’s family during this incredibly challenging time, reflecting the profound impact Tracy had on those around her.
Note:This post was written and edited by Natalie Clark, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.