Tracey Lynn Irwin

With profound sadness and endless love, we announce the passing of Tracey Lynn Irwin, age 54, of Penn Yan, New York, who passed away peacefully at home on May 11, 2026.

Born in Penn Yan, Tracey was the beloved daughter of Vonda Knapton and the late Franklin Knapton. She was a proud graduate of Penn Yan Academy and spent her life rooted in the love of family, animals, and caring for others.

Tracey had a heart that naturally nurtured everyone around her. She especially loved helping others through private health care, where her compassion, patience, and gentle spirit touched countless lives. To know Tracey was to know someone who would give without hesitation and love without limits.

Above all else, Tracey’s greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was her family. Her three children and grandchildren were truly the center of her world. She loved fiercely and unconditionally, always showing up with encouragement, laughter, warmth, and unwavering support. Her family knew there was nothing she would not do for the people she loved.

Tracey also shared a deep connection with animals and nature. Horses held a particularly special place in her heart, alongside her chickens and the wildlife she adored so deeply. She found peace in caring for animals and beauty in the simple moments of life.

She is survived by her loving companion, Gary Thompson, with whom she shared 19 years together; her daughter, Tiffanie Simonsen of Geneva, NY; her sons, Thomas Bayer Jr. (Kimberly) of Sanford, NC, and Tim Simonsen of Penn Yan, NY; her mother, Vonda Knapton (Juddy) of Penn Yan; and her sister, Lisa (Joe) Soucy, and niece Adriana Soucy of Escondido, California.

Tracey was a proud and loving grandmother to Myah, Mason, Timmy Jr., Benny, Alex, Sienna, Hudson, Colton, and Xavier, all of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life.

She was predeceased by her father, Franklin Knapton; her sister, Angela Knapton; and her grandson, Maxwell Bayer.

Tracey will be remembered for her beautiful heart, her fierce love for family, her kindness toward others, and the light she brought into the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her. Her memory will live on in every life she touched, every animal she cared for, and every family gathering filled with laughter and love.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Contributions may be made in her memory to https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-tracey-irwins-grandchildren