Tracy McBurney

TRACY TAYLOR MCBURNEY

Iowa City

Tracy Taylor McBurney passed away Saturday, May 14, 2016, surrounded by her family after a fierce and brave battle with brain cancer. She was cared for by those who knew and loved her, with Iowa City Hospice a valuable resource. Many friends provided support and care throughout her illness.

Teresa (Tracy) Kathleen Taylor was born to Frank and Elizabeth (Palmer) Taylor on Sept. 13, 1958, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City. She attended Iowa City schools, graduating from Iowa City High School in 1977. While at City High, she played basketball, softball and was an all-state player in volleyball and track and field. Tracy graduated from the University of Iowa in elementary education in 1981. While pursuing her studies at Iowa, she was a two-sport athlete, lettering in both volleyball and softball while maintaining a high academic standard graduating with honors. She enjoyed a long career in education, beginning in Janesville, Iowa, before returning to Iowa City. She taught fifth and sixth grade at Horace Mann Elementary for many years before pursuing a second career in the extended learning program at Penn, Garner and Van Allen elementary schools. She loved teaching.

Tracy married Mark McBurney in 1991. They recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. They had four children and 11 grandchildren. She loved her family, her friends, her students, teaching and life. She enjoyed hiking, biking, reading and traveling. Go Hawks and go Cubbies. She had a strong sense of right and the courage to act upon it.

Tracy is survived by her husband, Mark McBurney; and her sister, Christine Taylor (Jerry Swails), both of Iowa City. Tracy and Mark had four children, Alan (Angie) and their children, Zoe, Rylie, Caylie, Morgan, Erica, Nate and Alexis of Humboldt; Elizabeth (Ryan Daly) and their children, McKenzie, Addalie, Nolan and Eli of Fort Madison; Taylor (fiancee Madison Meardon) of Iowa City; and Elise (Patrick Dey) of Iowa City. She is also survived by aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Herb Hartzler of Iowa City; uncle, Gene Morse of Spokane, Wash.; several cousins; and countless friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, "Moose and Poose;" her grandparents; and several aunt and uncles.

Tracy was a member of the United Congregational Church of Christ in Iowa City. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 20, at Lensing Funeral Home in Iowa City. Celebration of her life will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 21, at United Congregational Church. A time of fellowship will follow the service before the burial at Memory Gardens.

Tracy's family would like to thank the doctors and nurses both at Mercy Iowa City and UIHC for their excellent care during her illness. Tracy and her family especially want to thank Dr. Monga at UIHC for his skill and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the UHIC Holden Cancer Center, Mercy Hospital Foundation, Iowa City Hospice or the Iowa City Public Library Friends Foundation.

Online condolences may be directed to www.lensingfuneral.com.