The family of Tracy Anne Cunha of Santa Rosa, CA announces her passing, and invites all who knew her to remember her here.
Some lives speak quietly; her is one such story.
Some people pass through; others leave a path.
Tracy Anne Cunha (also known as, Tracy Anne Ramsey, Castiglione), 62, passed away during springtime while all her favorite flowers were in bloom on April 28th, 2026 at 5:34 P.M. Diagnosed for 10 years, Tracy courageously fought the battle of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) with an even longer history of fighting Emphysema until her body and breath could no longer keep up with her victorious mind. She was born on a hot summer's eve on June 18th, 1963 in Albany, New York and raised in Delmar by her parents John Vincent Castiglione and Sally Abriel Rook. Together as a family, they created legacies such as the first softball league for girls at Bethelhem Central School District called Miss Softball America where her father coached for many years. Tracy's deep passion for politics and women's activism were rooted in childhood. Her unwavering opinions often took her on the scenic route in life; enjoying a gorgeous view, or slowly learning a life lesson the hard way. She did not shy away from a heated debate nor did she fear any flame she was willing to ignite even if it lead to burning bridges. A woman of certainty; she believed she could, so she did. A complicated woman, a lover of sports, who lived on multiple continents, Tracy attended college at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) before taking a break to care for her sick aunt who was diagnosed with breast cancer. Tracy, to even her own detriment, put the care and needs of others above her own because she knew sacrifice and didn't want to see people suffer especially those in need who didn't have help. After an extended sabbatical, Tracy finally completed the milestone of getting a B.A. and graduated from Sonoma State University with the Hutchins School of Liberal Studies in her mid to late 50s. A few of her favorite things include but are not limited to, teasing Red Sox or USC fans, raging on the Trump Administration, opening a fresh bottle of Zinfandel or cracking a cold Pale Ale, digging for clams during a summer sunset, sucking fresh California dungeous crab from the shell, laughing with people who brought her joy, writing especially about herself, creating a world where women could choose what they needed, watching the Sound of Music on Christmas with her children and loved ones, visiting Disney World, being a fierce democrat, eating fondue, sending thank you cards, making lists, writing love notes, and believing in magic because it's the roux to life. While relationships were sometimes painful for Tracy and those around her, she truly lived for her children. She felt she could have done better by them and wished she had received help for her addictions sooner in life, but her children still loved her deeply despite her shortcomings. She was survived by her son Andrew John Lawrence Cunha and her daughters Sarai Abriel Koski and Bailey Broderick Cunha-Bustamante. Tracy is also survived by her ex-husband John Lawrence Cunha, her step-mother Carol L. Castiglione, her father's sister Johanne Papa (Mario), her six siblings Robin Castiglione, James (Maria) Castiglione, Joseph Castiglione, Kevin Cary and Claudette Cary Mihaly; her cousin and one of her longest friendships, Ronnie Perry; her nephews Nicholas, David, Nathan, Bryce, Devin, and Emilio, and her niece Natalie. Tracy touched many lives and charmed many hearts. She made friends from Hong Kong to San Francisco. The social butterfly she was, she lit up any room she entered. This opened many doors but also caused trouble amongst envious eyes. A fabulous painter and one who favored masters like Van Gough and Monet; it didn't matter to her the canvas, the wall, you name it, she probably painted on it. Bell of the Ball, Tracy loved to host a swanky cocktail fundraiser party or an extravagant house event with thriving conversations clinking to loud music. Tracy loved to cook, to feed, and to woo both the stomachs and hearts of all those who dined in her home. She made any house she dwelled in feel like a true home, and there's no place like home! Resourceful and mindful, Tracy worked hard most of her life. She started working while underage for a newspaper delivery service her and her at time boyfriend started. She was the definition of self-made; she waitressed, she did secretarial work for some of the biggest high rollers on Wall Street by her early twenties, she managed and ran political campaigns for running congressmen before becoming a mother, she even dabbled in real-estate for years when she first moved from New York to Sonoma County, California in the early 2000s. Her favorite mission in life was her children and she worked the hardest at being a mother. Some of her toughest memories include her children, but her most cherished memories she took with her were with them too. Eventually Tracy's roots in anything and everything "Girl Power" turned her to apply as a staff member for the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women. She created very impactful events with powerful women from Sonoma County, such as, Women's Equality Day, the Women's March, Bridge Together Golden State, Junior Commission, and so much more. Her dedication to her community and county showed countless times especially for their fire survivors. Through unity, Tracy and her Wonder Women Warrior Task Force from Sonoma County were able to aid, nurture, and protect a lot of families after the devastation of the Tubbs fire. Back to back years, Sonoma County was challenged by massive fires, not just destroying the community, but also further harming Tracy's lung health even more so she eventually ended up back in New York in hopes to be closer to family. Tracy finished her career life working as a Deputy Clerk for the New York State Senate. Her youngest daughter, Bailey, also moved to New York to study Fire Science at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Sonoma Strong wasn't just a slogan or hash tag to Tracy. It was an ode to remember that even in the most destructive moments one can rise up again to create a new life no matter how hard it is to rise from the ashes. Not unlike her children and other family members, being a nature lover to her core was an apple that didn't fall too far from the tree for Tracy. She loved visiting almost every climate with the exception of anywhere with snow. The cold felt cynical to her as she often complained of the pain and aches it caused her. Her truest happy place was spent often with her beloveds on a warm, soft beach framing the most gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. Although an unkind disease took Tracy's breath away for years, she was surrounded by loved ones when she passed, pain free. Her children and a few close friends were present with her during her last moments she was in her physical body. Cherishing the last day with Tracy, her beloveds played some of her favorite tunes: Sweet Surrender, by John Denver, Somewhere Over the Rainbow / What a Wonderful World by Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwo'ole, I Will Remember You by Sarah McLachlan, Dave Matthew's Band albums such as Under the Table and Dreaming followed by Crash, both "Feeling Alright" and "With a Little Help From My Friends" cover by Joe Cocker just to name a few. Miraculously, only a few hours after the start of comfort care and DJing for Tracy's departure, she transitioned while her favorite song by the DMB played, Stay (Wasting Time). Her children held her hand as they walked their Mommy home. Somewhere over the rainbow, Tracy's loved ones anticipate her on a beach in paradise, with the rest of her ancestors who paved the way for her and the rest of her family who survived her. She left a legacy on the power of using your voice - it's in there somewhere and it's worth speaking up for even if you have to fight for it alone. No longer suffering, Tracy is celebrated for the warrior she was. Tracy's family and friends wish her an easeful journey of both grace and peace on her next adventures. She will be looked upon; she will be called to guide those when they need the strength to carry on. Tracy's tender loved ones are thankful for the magic she effortlessly put into everything. Tracy will not be forgotten, but cherished deeply. Tracy's last wishes were to be cremated and there will not be a formal church service for her. The family will be holding a private Celebration of Life for her in the summertime. The date is unknown, but please stay connected for an update. The private service may be recorded or at least photographed to share with Tracy's community and social medias. Thank you for any donations to the family during this rough time, it's not obligated but graciously accepted. There is an option to have a tree planted in memory of Tracy. If you wish to donate to "After the Fire" in Sonoma County, CA, it would make Tracy smile. Thank you for you patience, thoughts, and prayers.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Tracy Anne (Castiglione) Cunha, please visit our floral store.
