On January 22, 2005, the staff, friends and listeners of WGUC, as well as the Greater Cincinnati community, lost a dear friend. Coleen Tracey, WGUC's Community Relations Manager, died suddenly and unexpectedly at the age of 34. Coleen was WGUC's cheerleader, both inside and outside the station. But more importantly, she was a loyal, compassionate, selfless friend and the heart of the station.

Mark Perzel expressed the shock and sorrow of the entire staff with these words, spoken to the WGUC audience on Monday morning January 24th. "Her intelligence and wit brightened every day at work. Her encouragement and kind words, wonderful outlook on life and living, and determination to maintain WGUC's mission provided an energy that's irreplaceable. Words cannot describe the grief we feel. Coleen we love you and miss you."

Coleen was the cherished wife and life companion of Adam Fischer, beloved daughter of Jerry W. Tracey and his wife, Maureen, and the late Ida Houck Tracey Fee, and her husband, George. She was the adored older sister of Megan and Kathleen Tracey. Her family also included beloved cat Sophie and dog Stella.

She was a tireless and passionate advocate for a myriad of liberal causes and a fierce supporter of social justice. Coleen was well-known and respected by all in the Greater Cincinnati Progressive Community. Just as she did at WGUC, she threw herself into previous positions at Tender Mercies, Planned Parenthood, Stonewall Cincinnati and the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations. She also worked at City Hall for then-Councilman Tyrone Yates.

Coleen's trademark sense of humor permeated everything with which she was associated and that is what brings smiles to our faces as we remember our dear friend.

We encourage you to send your thoughts and remembrances of Coleen for inclusion in this online tribute.