Phyllis J. Tracy

Phyllis J. (Ferguson) Tracy, 102, died quietly June 5, 2012 at Collier’s Health Care Facility in Ellsworth. She was born in Bolton, England, Feb. 14, 1910 the daughter of Alexander and Frances (Holden) Ferguson.

She arrived in Boston from England in 1922 and traveled to Leominster, MA where she spent her youth finishing school while singing and acting in local and church plays with her two brothers. Phyllis met her “to be” husband, Edward Tracy while he was managing the JJ Newberry store in Leominster. They married and moved to various towns in PA, West Virginia birthing Joyce and Ernest, before they moved back to MA and had their final child, Hyla John (Jack) in Franklin, MA. In 1941 they moved to Rockland and in 1943 moved to Ellsworth where Ed managed the Newberry store while Phyllis involved herself in many Ellsworth activities. Phyllis loved working with her friends in the Rotary Anns, Bayside Grange, Surry Extension, Eastern Star (Officer), the Methodist Church and then Congregational Church where her cooking, knitting, sewing, and leadership skills helped enrich the activities of the organizations. She was a choir member for more than 50 years and lifelong member of the Congregational Church Ladies Guild and Busy Bodies. She funded an annual EHSAA Scholarship for students graduating from Ellsworth High School. Phyllis could be described by her friends as “Feisty”.

Phyllis is survived by sons, Ernest A. Tracy and Loretta of Ellsworth, Hyla John (Jack) Tracy and Elizabeth of Buxton; grandchildren, Victoria Ringwood (Tracy), Donald Tracy, Hyla Tracy II, and newly added grandchildren, Julie Tilden, Robbie Tilden, Andrea Tilden and Sarah Tilden Warner; ten great-grandchildren and a recent great-great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband, Edward J. Tracy; daughter, Joyce Ann; brothers, Alexander and Ernest Ferguson.

Visiting hours will be 5:00-7:00 PM, Friday, June 8, 2012 at Jordan-Fernald, 113 Franklin St. Ellsworth. A funeral service will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 9^th at the First Congregational Church UCC of Ellsworth with Rev. Nick Davis officiating. Interment will be at Woodbine Cemetery.

Contributions in Phyllis’s memory may be made to the First Congregational Church UCC, P O Box 12, Ellsworth 04605 or Ellsworth High School Alumni Assoc., P O Box 11, Ellsworth, ME 04605

Written by Al Worden, June 06, 2012

Hyla and Ernie, I am sorry to hear of your mother's passing she was such a sweet lady. Both she and your father were wonderful to me letting me stay for meals more often at your house than I did at my own it seems. As I look back on those days I am sure that there were times that she might have wished that I would go home but she never let on. It was my home away from home all the time I was in High School.
I truly believe that I am the person that I am today due partly to the love your family shared with me. God bless you and your families. Al W.

Written by Dennis Laurie, June 06, 2012

Dear Ernest and Hyla, I only met your beloved mother a couple of times, but I was touched by her kindness and genuineness. However, I did know her late daughter Joyce Ann for more than 18 years. She was my supervisor at the American Antiquarian Society. Joyce was one of the most important people in my life. I loved her for her honesty, integrity, and lofty principles. I am sure that Joyce's mother had a great deal to do with Joyce being the wonderful person that she was. God bless you and your family. Dennis Laurie

Written by Nancy Russell Hutchinson, June 07, 2012

My condolences on the recent death of your mother. My daughter, Frances, who lives in England, is visiting here and happened to notice Mrs. Tracy's obituary in the BDN, probably initially because she was born in England. Upon further reading she saw that her husband had been a manager for J. J. Newberry's and so pointed the write-up out to me. My father was George Russell, your dad's J. J. Newberry superintendent for many years. I can remember hearing him refer to Mr. Tracy, or often, just Tracy. I think he thought highly of your father, and, I'm sure, likely met your mother and perhaps you children on occasion. Your mother sounds like she certainly had a fulfilling and long life.
Sincerely, Nancy Russell Hutchinson, Monticello, Maine

Written by George Stevenson, June 07, 2012

Jack and Ernie, my condolences on the death of your mother. She led a wonderful and generous life. Mrs. Tracy always made me feel at home and welcome at her home. I have the fondest memories of those days with your family.

Written by Wayne Ingalls, June 08, 2012

Hyla and Ernest my condolences on the passing of your mother. Your mom and dad were good to me growing up in Ellsworth. I often think of the time at your house and working at the store. I especially appreciated the rides back and forth to Husson.

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