HIGGINS, TRACEY ANN Tracey Ann Higgins born March 28, 1964, lost her lifelong battle with cancer on December 28, 2018.
Tracey leaves behind the love of her life, partner and husband Michael Hayden, her loving mother Avril and partner Bob Page, her sister Jill Atkinson and husband Sean, sister Leigh and partner Les Kinder, her niece Charley Atkinson and nephews Dillon and Brody Atkinson. She will be greatly missed by Michael and Margaret Hayden, sister-in-law Kelly Johnston and husband Bill, brother-in-law Paul and wife Louisa Soares, nephews Andrew, Johnathon, Liam and niece Meghan.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Dialysis and Hemodialysis care units of St. Michael’s Hospital for the great care and empathy they displayed both during Tracey’s many years of dialysis treatment and her end of life care.
In 1968, Tracey was the very first cancer outpatient at the Princess Margaret Hospital. She battled cancer throughout her life. A diabetic, Tracey was also on hemodialysis the last years of her life. Despite her many medical issues Tracey displayed a tremendous will to survive. She spent many years using her medical experiences to advocate for improved patient and dialysis care and to help others overcome obstacles and personal limitations. Tracey was particularly proud of her advocacy for better patient care, communications and attention to the “Save the Veins” program.
Tracey approached life with a positive attitude and a desire to live every day to its fullest. There was no quit or “why me?” in her. She loved nothing more than spending time at the cottage with Michael, gardening and soaking up the sun. She was also a “foodie” who preferred to spend money on a good meal more than anything else. She spent her last 8 months with us on a gastronomic tour of the sunny patios of Toronto’s restaurants accompanied by good friends and family sharing her journey with one and all through photographs and vivid descriptions of the food, bringing the plates to life.
There will be a Celebration of Tracey’s Life in the warmth of early Summer.
For those wishing to, contributions can be made to the St. Michael’s Foundation in memory of Tracey Higgins for a Hemodialysis Unit.