Tracy E. Bonavia

Tracy E. Bonavia, 31, of Rockford, passed away on Monday, March 10, 2014 surrounded by her loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Rockford on January 19, 1983, the daughter of Mark and Patricia (Snead) Bonavia. Tracy graduated from Rockford Lutheran High School in 2001 and went on to earn her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska in 2006. Tracy's love for children inspired her to begin her career as a teacher. She spent her first year after college teaching in the Naples, Florida school system before moving back to Rockford. Tracy's desire to work with people was met when she moved into banking. She worked in several positions before finding a home at Alpine Bank's Belvidere branch. Tracy was a long-time volunteer at Womanspace and served on the Board in recent years. She also served as a Board Member of Healing Pathways.
Tracy was full of life and had a beautiful smile that could light up any room. She loved to travel extensively across the U.S. and internationally; her trips to Italy, Ireland, France and Hawaii were among her most memorable. Tracy loved the sun, the beach and the water and when able, could be found walking the shores and soaking up the rays in her favorite destinations. She was an avid collector of sharks teeth, a wonderful pastry chef and a champagne aficionado. Tracy had a kind heart for animals and always had to have an animal by her side. Her zest for life and her gentle spirit will be missed by all who loved and knew her.
Tracy is survived by her adoring family; her parents, Mark and Pat Bonavia; her sister, Kara (CPT. Adam) Bonavia Brinkman; Fiancé Aaron Burke; grandmother, Dorothea Bonavia; aunts, Twylla, Nancy, Sue, Ruth, Peggy, Charlotte and Judy; uncles, Les, James, Dennis, Steve and Dale; numerous cousins and countless friends; special companions, Kimberly and Storm. Predeceased by her maternal grandparents, Frank and Goldie Snead; paternal grandfather, Burl Bonavia. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the doctors and staff at UW Madison, and SwedishAmerican Regional Cancer Center. Also, to the nurses and staff at Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief. Tracy's family extends a special thank you to John Crone and the Alpine Banking Family.
A celebration of life will be held from 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 15, 2014, in Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Womanspace or Northern Illinois Hospice and Grief. To extend condolences or share memories visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com