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Tracey Stokes Obituary

Stokes, Tracey J., Age 54. Beloved wife of Peter Finocchiaro for 20 years; loving mother of Andrew and Michael Finocchiaro; devoted daughter of Roberta Stokes; dearest sister of Suzanne Janson; also survived by sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends. Tracey was a practicing attorney for over 25 years and former president of Women's Bar Association of Illinois. Member of Our Lady of Sorrows Secular Order of Servites (Rosary Services Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.). Visitation and funeral services DIRECTLY at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica, 3121 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612. Visitation Wednesday 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass Thursday, April 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. Private interment at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Elmwood Chapel Chicago, IL. 773-731-2749. www.elmwoodchapel.com.

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Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Apr. 7, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Tracey Stokes

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Darren VanPuymbrouck

April 4, 2025

I will always remember Tracey for her good humor, her strength, her dignity and her honor. She was in remains an incredible person.

Darren VanPuymbrouck

April 1, 2019

Even after the passage of time Tracey lives on as a vibrant beautiful woman with such a wonderful view of the world and someone who always brought joy and happiness to everyone around her. Im hoping that Peter and the children find comfort and strength from Traceys Beauty, grace, and love of life. Youre all in our thoughts. Darren

Dave Konys

January 3, 2017

OMG! It's going on two years since Tracey's passing and I'm simply in disbelief, as I have just now been notified. Tracey was one of those people that could brighten any day....her smile and sense of humor were infectious. Tracey was a beautiful, engaging young lady. A remarkable person. I am in shock she has passed, and simply wish her family my heartfelt thoughts.

Marsha Pritchard

October 5, 2015

Tracey and I were psychology majors at Skidmore and we graduated class of '82. I remember Tracey as a kind and gracious young woman with a quiet faith and determination. I am very sorry to hear of her passing.

Darren VanPuymbrouck

August 22, 2015

I just learned of Tracey's death and I could not believe that such a wonderful, amazing woman was taken from her family so early. I am a fellow lawyer who knew Tracey well many years ago and thought of her foundry. Peter, I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts are with you and your children.

May 27, 2015

Such shocking news. My heart goes out to her family. I was a roommate of Tracey's at Skidmore. I have such fond memories of her. Her piano, her prelaw schedule...May her bright smile and memories always be a part of you.
Lori Banner Kupferberg

May 21, 2015

I have fond memories of Tracey. I remember talking to her in the Dining Hall at Skidmore. My condolences to the family.

Debbie Sanders-Rehr

May 21, 2015

I have such vivid memories of Tracey at Skidmore and once visiting in Ohio. Tracey was the loveliest person with the warmest smile and biggest heart. I know that she will be missed by her family and friends and everyone who knew her.

Kim Hirt

May 18, 2015

My thoughts and prayers are with you. I knew Tracey from our days at Skidmire College. She was a lively spirit who had a gift of seeing the "light" in every dark situation. The Good Lord has His arms wrapped around you at this time and forever. We will all miss her

Jane Sulich

May 13, 2015

I was a roommate of Tracey's at Skidmore College many moons ago. I can't stop thinking of her after hearing of this. What comes to mind when I think of Tracey is her ever present smile! She always showed her beautiful pearly whites. I want to extend my deepest sympathies to all of you. I understand the tremendous and inexplicable pain you are all faced with since I lost my husband recently. I hope you will find the strength and resilience to carry on. My blessings are with you.

May 12, 2015

Peter, Andrew and Michael,

I just learned of Tracey's passing and and am heart broken but I want to let you know your Mom was a very old and dear friend to me who's friendship I will always treasure. I was so fortunate to have her in my life and I loved meeting you boys when you were quite young and you invited me out for pancakes after church when I visited Chicago! Your Mom was VERY popular at Skidmore and she had many friends of all types. She was always kind to everyone and had a big smile and a big heart. I will miss her. The Skidmore community will also miss Tracey.

My deepest sympathies,

Dana Paul Farnan
Boston, MA

May 7, 2015

Dear Peter, Andrew and Michael - I knew Tracey from our years on opposite sides at the Daley Center. Every 6 months or every year when I would see her, we would catch up about our families. The youngest of our 2 boys was 2 years older than Tracey's oldest son, and our 2 boys also were 2 years apart. She loved talking about her family, and we would compare notes on the growth of our kids, and the funny (and at times infuriating) things the boys would do. She will be so missed by her professional colleagues and friends. But she will always be with you, as I am sure a great mom and wife. My deepest sympathies. David Sternberg of Sachs Earnest & Associates, Ltd.

Shari Shelmadine

April 29, 2015

I just learned of Tracey's passing and am devastated. Tracey was one of the kindest attorneys I've ever known. Her smile lit up the room. The world will miss her.

-Shari Shelmadine

Ann Breen-Greco

April 27, 2015

Michael and Andrew, I met you at the McFetridge Ice Skating Rink. You were there with your mother and I was there with my daughter. I enjoyed watching her skate because I did not know about her background as a competitive ice skater. I am sorry she will not be with you through the coming years and I hope for you and your father that the wonderful memories of her will help to ease the pain of loss.

Christina Franz

April 26, 2015

Dear Peter, Andrew and Michael,

I am so very sorry to learn of your wife and mother's death. You are very much in my thoughts.

Kindest regards,

James Dimeas

April 19, 2015

I just heard the news and am heartbroken. My thoughts and prays to her husband, children and family. She will be missed.

Cindy Van Ryn

April 13, 2015

Tracey & I were roommates for a couple of years early in our respective careers. We were as different as could be, but she was a fun & supportive roommate. I am so sad to hear of her passing & am thinking of & praying for her family.

Bernadette Freeman

April 13, 2015

Condolences to the family for the loss of a beautiful and intelligent daughter, sister, wife, and mother. Tracey will be missed.

April 12, 2015

Peter, Michael and Andrew,

Vika said it best:"she was such a nice lady". Tracey was complex....always helping others, a fierce litigator, a competitive ice skater, a devoted wife and mother. She met the biggest challenge of her life head on and used her strength to go on the most positive of attitudes. She was always proper and, as Vika said, always a nice lady. She was a dear friend and will be missed. We send our prayers. With love, Lainie and Vika

April 11, 2015

Tracey was a wonderful daughter. She was so kind & humble & at the same time very gifted & blessed.I can still hear her playing Beethoven's "Pathetique"Sonata.I loved Tracey so & will miss her joyful spirit to the end of my days.
Mother

Michael

April 10, 2015

Ms. Stokes was an amazing person and I was blessed to know her. She will be truly missed. My prayers are with the boys and her family.

Colleen Murphy

April 10, 2015

I am so sad to hear of your loss. Tracey was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was such a pleasure to work with and always had a smile on her beautiful face. God bless her and your family.

Michael Kolovos

April 9, 2015

To Mr. Finocchiaro, Andrew, and Michael,
I am truly sorry for your loss. Ms. Stokes was an amazing person full of life and love. I am so blessed to have known her. You all will be in my prayers.

April 9, 2015

Dear Peter, Andrew & Michael, Our heartfelt condolences. You all are blessed with a beautiful wife / mom. Her influence, her spirit and her legacy lives on in all of you; such a divine gift. We pray for the repose of Tracy's soul. Love, Marty and Jackie Pacione (Holy Rosary Church)

Bob Nicolin

April 9, 2015

Pete, I am so sorry for your loss, my prayers will be with you and your family. Take care.

Tony Ancona

April 9, 2015

Very sorry to hear of your loss. My condolences to your family.

Bob Walsh

April 9, 2015

A great lawyer and a better person. God Bless her and all of you.

Jacke

April 8, 2015

so sorry for your loss, I too just lost my fiancee of over 20 year's from a massive heart attack, he was 51, God Bless you and keep your family strong, it's just not fair

Gary Klages

April 8, 2015

Tracey was a great lawyer and a woman of class and integrity. My condolences to her family. I am sure our lord has much higher duties for Tracey in heaven.

T-O Sena

April 8, 2015

Pete, I have no words. So sorry for your loss.

April 8, 2015

I am truly sorry to hear about Tracey's passing. She was a dear and respected member of the legal community and will be missed. Sincerely, Frank J. Andreou

Jacquie and Doug Amacher

April 8, 2015

Tracey had a gift for making e person feel special-always a smile, a warm, friendly greeting, so much positive energy. Peter, Michael, and Andrew, we are so very saddened for your great loss and our hearts and prayers are with you. All our love, the Amacher Family

Wanda Underwood

April 8, 2015

We were so sorry to hear of Tracey's passing. Such a gracious and lovely person. Our prayers are with you and your family.

Barbara Raffaldini

April 8, 2015

Pete I was very saddened to hear about Tracey. My heartfelt condolences to you and your sons. Tracey was a smart, gracious and beautiful woman, on the inside and outside. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anne Marie Joseph-Irey

April 8, 2015

Peter, Andrew, and Michael, I am so sorry to hear about Tracey's passing. She was such an incredible and passionate woman, and her love for each of you was undeniable. I still have the most beautiful letter from her that I will treasure always. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

April 7, 2015

Recibe our condolences and all our prayers.

Rodrigo and Emilio Soto
St. Ignatius students
Chicago, Il

Shoshan Reddington

April 7, 2015

Tracey was a beautiful woman and wonderful friend. We shall miss her smiling face.

April 7, 2015

My heartfelt condolences to the family of Tracey. May God bring you comfort in the wonderful memories that will live forever in your hearts for the time you shared with Tracey. God is near when our hearts are broken and He has provided His Word to comfort us in our times of distress. Always remember this. ROMANS 15:4

Sincerely, Lee

Jim & Clare Roche

April 7, 2015

We are deeply sorry for your loss Pete and will keep your loving family in our prayers.

April 7, 2015

She was a lovely lady and carried herself with grace. So sad for her husband and boys. Theresa Wybrow-Albano and Michael Albano

April 7, 2015

Pete and boys, Our hearts are broken at the tremendous loss to your family. There are no words other than we grieve for you and know you are surrounded by love and family that will help you through this journey. Love from your cousins in North Carolina, Robyn, Steve, Ian and Devin.

Julie & Greg Dingens

April 7, 2015

Pete, We are deeply saddened to hear the news of Tracy's passing. Her smile would light up any room and will forever be in our memories. Our hearts are heavy and we will have you and the boys in our thoughts and prayers. The Dingens Family

April 7, 2015

Peter, Andrew and Michael,
I was so sorry to hear of Tracy's passing. May God bless you with peace and hope.
Debbie Kozak

Requiescat in pace

Alberta Catalano

April 7, 2015

Dear Lord grant Tracey eternal rest and may your light shine on her forever; please send your spirit to console her husband Peter and her sons Andrew and Michael all those who loved her and will mourn her absence. Amen.

John Kelly

April 7, 2015

A truly beautiful human being in so many respects. Tracey was a gifted and accomplished lawyer but I sense her greatest accomplishments were as a mother,wife,family member and friend to many. My deepest condolences to all.

David and Patti Benjamin

April 7, 2015

Pete and the boys. You're in our thoughts and prayers.

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Memorial Events
for Tracey Stokes

Apr

8

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica

3121 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL

Apr

8

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica

3121 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL

Apr

9

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica

3121 West Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL

Funeral services provided by:

Elmwood Chapel & Crematory - East Side

11200 S Ewing Ave, Chicago, IL 60617

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