Tracy Elizabeth (Alwardt) Donahue died on Jan. 31, in the company of her family. She was 45.

Tracy was born in Falmouth to her late parents Frank Rhinold and Marie Bernadette Alwardt Mayhaps. She was almost born on the water, growing up on the beaches of Martha’s Vineyard, Falmouth, Sandwich and Florida. She returned often and became an avid swimmer and coin diver.

She was taken in by her grandfather Peter “Babe” Evans, who she helped care for until his passing in 2014.

During her teens she met her husband, Donald Donahue 3rd, who joined her in the Sandwich Youth Task Force, which was dedicated to making Sandwich safer and filled with teen activities. She also spent her youth working hard in many of the local Dunkin’ Donuts and A&P.

She had her two children, Donny and Elora, who she lovingly spent her days raising, even running a daycare for them and their cousins. When ailments started to beset her early in life, she became a homemaker and took on the role of the neighborhood mother. She could turn a rainy day into a sunny day for every child that she watched.

She instilled the love of language, literature and science in her children, always looking to spark their curiosity. She was a master of encouragement, and told everyone to follow their dreams and be independent thinkers. She always lent an ear, even if she chose to play devil’s advocate.

She dedicated her life to her children and family, helping them strive for the best. One of her many pieces of wisdom was: “Always try to be better than your parents.”

She loved to travel and visited many places, and had her heart set on many more. Ultimately, her voyage would start and end at the ocean, a place she told everyone was where she belonged.

She is survived by her husband of 27 years, Donald Donahue III, and her children, Donald Donahue IV and Elora Donahue, and her large loving family, including her beloved dogs and cats.

Services are private.