Michelle Kristin Trace

Michelle Kristin Trace, nee Barr, of Fort Collins, Colorado, our beloved mother, daughter, sister and friend passed away peacefully at Pathways Hospice on Monday, Dec 17, 2018 at the age of 57. Michelle was born in 1961 in Wisconsin, the fourth of five children. She graduated from New Richmond High School in Wisconsin in 1979 and Winona State University in Minnesota in 1982. She lived in Nashville and Oklahoma City before moving to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1998. Although Michelle moved out of Wisconsin almost forty years ago, she remained an avid Packer and Badger fan. She supported her adopted team of the Broncos as well, as long as they weren't playing the Packers.
Michelle was a dedicated mother to her two children, Tanner and Cassidy, and was devoted to helping them become strong, independent adults. She had many friends from all over and loved to meet new people and hear their stories.
Michelle was an avid tennis player for many years. After the addition of a girl's tennis team at her high school was voted down by the school board, she visited every board member and convinced them to reconsider. Michelle was a charter member of the team. She continued to play tennis after high school and worked with the Fort Collins Tennis Association for many years, including serving on their board of directors. She organized and ran the Stop Hunger Championship Tournament for several years with the help of her friend David Hill. The tournaments raised over $130,000 for the Larimer County Food Bank. She was also the northern Colorado volunteer for Rackets for All, which collects and distributes donated tennis rackets to underprivileged children.
Michelle worked at Sodexo for 22 years as a contracts manager. Previous to that, she worked at Sysco, Marriott Foods and Harry and David's.
Michelle leaves behind her loving children Tanner and Cassidy of Fort Collins, her father Stanley Barr of New Richmond, WI, her brothers Craig (Kathy) of Council Bluffs IA, Terry (Irina) of Flushing NY, Brian (Jill) of Madison WI and sister Kellie Nuber (Paul) of Fort Collins CO, nine nieces and nephews, six great-nephews and many special friends. She is preceded in death by her mother Donna Barr.
Please join us for a celebratory service at Timberline Church, 2908 S. Timberline Rd, Fort Collins on Friday, January 4 at 11:00 am. A light lunch will follow.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Michelle's memory may be made to the Trace Family Trust to help with her children's college expenses. Please send contributions to Goes Funeral Care, 3665 Canal Drive, Suite E, Ft Collins CO 80524.