Tracy Jean Livingood

Tracy Jean Livingood “Livi” 57 of Grand Forks, ND passed away peacefully at her home on March 17, 2023, after a tough battle with kidney disease.

She was born January 2, 1966, at the Pembina County Memorial Hospital in Cavalier, ND, to Jim and Lil Livingood.

At the age of 8, Tracy attended a few different schools. In 1977, she was connected with the School for the Blind in Grand Forks North Dakota where she graduated and received her diploma.

In 1993, Tracy moved to the private home of the Washburns where she spent 30 years becoming an integral part of the Washburn family, watching kids grow up and those kids having kids of their own. She was employed at the ARC in 1988 receiving her 15-year appreciation award in 2003. She also worked at RDO and did various small jobs with both DHI and Success Unlimited around the community.

Tracy became part of the Self Advocacy Solutions “SAS” movement in the early nineties where she was a force to be reckoned with. In 2009 she testified in Bismarck to take the “R” word out of the North Dakota Century Code. She was a leader with SASND. In 2012, she traveled the State to do voter’s training. She was a graduate of Partner’s and Policy’s making.

Carla Tice stated if you ever needed to make a positive change for people with disabilities, Tracy was the GO-TO girl; and no one forgot Tracy and what she stood for. From marching in a parade to performing in several plays at the Empire Arts Center kept her busy. Two of her most iconic performances were Grease and the Wizard of OZ.

Tracy also enjoyed The Listen Center Program for over 4 decades playing Bingo, arts and crafts, dances, parties and visiting with friends. The Listen Drop in Center staff and clients fell head over heels in love with “Livi”. The stories will continue to make hearts smile from generation to generation. If we stop and listen closely, we will hear her infamous “belly laugh”. Her stories echo from every heart, and most begin with “Remember when Livingood…” Tracy rarely forgot a face, name, birthday or even a phone number. She would always greet you with the warmest hug and never sent you away without telling you just how much she loved you.

Tracy truly loved spending time with her family and especially adored her brother Jamie and her sister Sara. Tracy treasured being an aunt to all four of her nephews. She never missed a chance to brag about them and loved following their sports activities and school functions.

Tracy was preceded in death by both her grandparents, Oscar & Doris Marcelin, Henry Marcelin (uncle). Kathryn Washburn (Foster mother), Marley Fern Ferguson (daughter of Elisha and Tim Ferguson).

Those left to cherish her memories are, her parents Jim and Lil Livingood, Brother, Jamie & (Kristen) Livingood, Sister, Sara & (Jason) Hinkle. Nephews: Daniel Hinkle, Trevor Hinkle and Levi Hinkle and Ezra Livingood.

Tracy is also survived by her loving Washburn foster family: Greg Washburn, Teresa Washburn, Elisha & Tim Ferguson, Kaylee & Andy Mutscher, Kassandra Jacobson, Jaxon Washburn, Timothy Ferguson, Macy Ferguson and Reed Mutscher and many aunts, uncles, and many cousins.

Because of Tracy’s great faith in Jesus our hearts are comforted knowing she is with our heavenly father.

Tracy’s Celebration of life will be held at the Listen Center 2100 South Washington St. Grand Forks, ND, from 5 to 7 p.m on June 1, 2023.

In Lieu of flowers please send donation to Listen Drop In Center 2100 S. Washington St, Grand Forks, ND, 58201.