Tracy R. Coder of Lancaster, PA, has passed away, leaving behind a family and community who loved her dearly.
What follows is a brief look at the life her family wishes to share.
Tracy held deeply to the Baptist faith — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew her best.
The community of faith holds its own well — and Tracy was held.
Tracy Rae Babich Coder, 60, of Leola, PA, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026, surrounded by the people who meant the most to her. She was the devoted wife of Darren, sharing 27 years of love, laughter, and life together.Tracy grew up in Johnstown, PA, and later made Lancaster County her home after graduating from Millersville University with a degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She spent her life caring for others, especially children, through her work as a teacher and support staff in local schools. Serving others wasn’t just what she did—it was who she was. Employment included work as a Pre-K teacher at Little People’s Day Care, a Customer Service Representative at Kinsey’s Archery, a Preschool Teacher at Chesterbrook Academy and Lancaster Brethren in Christ Preschool, a Pre-K Teacher at Mellinger’s Preschool, and, most recently, employment through the SOS Group of Lancaster, where she provided services to Brownstown Elementary School students.Tracy and Darren shared a love for adventure and time on the water. As members of the Lancaster Ski Club and the Baltimore Yacht Club, they made countless memories aboard their boat, Resolution, traveling the Chesapeake Bay and enjoying days of fishing, laughter, and quiet moments together.Her faith was a steady foundation throughout her life. From her early years at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Johnstown to her time serving as a Stephen Minister and preschool board member at First United Methodist Church of Lancaster, Tracy lived out her faith through compassion and care for others. Most recently, she attended Bible Baptist Church in Leola.More than anything, Tracy loved people. She had a gift for connection—whether it was through a heartfelt conversation, a shared laugh, or simply being present when someone needed her. She was a compassionate listener, a loyal friend, and someone who made others feel seen and valued. Her love extended to animals as well, especially her beloved cats and dogs, whom she cared for with the same tenderness she showed everyone in her life.Tracy embraced life with joy. She loved boating, skiing, fishing, and camping, and she found happiness in music, concerts, dancing, and singing karaoke. If there was fun to be had, Tracy was all in—and she made sure everyone around her felt included. Tracy had a way of making life feel lighter—she loved deeply, laughed easily, and left every room a little brighter than she found it.She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Audrey Babich.She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Darren; Tracy is also survived by her siblings Lynne Selzer (Doug Selzer), Jack Babich (Jodie Babich), Ken Babich (Lori Babich), and Tammy Tavalsky. Tracy was a beloved aunt to her nieces and nephews, Kayleigh Weaver (Caleb Shive), Alyse Nathan (Mike Nathan), Lauren Weaver, Wyatt Weaver, James Weaver, Logan Weaver, Ashley Dwyer (Rob Dwyer), Rebecca Capitao (Tristen Capitao), Tyler Coder (Rachel Coder), Brandon Coder, and Logan Coder. Tracy is also survived by ten great nieces and nephews (Isabelle, Hadley, Ava, Lucas, Silas, Matthias, Andrew, Will, Lena, and Calla). Because of Tracy’s fun, loving, generous spirit, she was known as “Aunt Tracy” by her close friends’ children.Family and friends are invited to attend Tracy’s Celebration of Life, which will be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, Lancaster, PA, at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 AM-1:00 PM at First United Methodist Church, Lancaster, PA.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tracy’s memory to Helping Hands for Animals, helpinghandsforanimals.org, and to Serenity Hospice of Pennsylvania, 205 Granite Run Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.
