Celebrating the life of Tracey Gilbert

Tracey had a smile that lit up every room she entered. Born with a gift for remembering names and numbers, if she met you once, she recognized you in the market or in line at the airport. Waving, she came over and asked what you were buying today or where you were going.

Tracey never forgot a birthday or anniversary. She excelled in managing multiple things at the same time. Despite a demanding travel schedule selling jewelry, and fine clothing lines, she raised two children, Lindsay and Matt, with her husband, Christopher Bonn, and volunteered coaching sports at St. Mark’s school.

Her North Buffalo home exuded warmth, especially on holidays and Bills games, when her door was always open.

She was a great party giver, storyteller, and baker. Friends and family will never forget the twinkle in her eyes or her chocolate chip cookies.

She is fondly remembered by St. Mark’s, the Delaware Park Women’s Golf Club, and the Buffalo Tennis and Squash Club.

Tracey died in September, three months shy of her 70th birthday, after a heroic battle with a fast-growing cancer.

Delaware Park was a part of her everyday life—she spent countless hours golfing, walking Ring Road with her dogs, and taking grandchildren to the playgrounds. This beautiful park was more than just a backdrop; it was a place filled with memories and love.

We hope the gift of this bench will remind friends and family in the Buffalo community of Tracey’s kindness and generous spirit.

About the Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy

The vision of the BOPC is to create an exceptional park network for all of Buffalo through equitable access to beautiful, quality and thriving parks; restorative green spaces that support our people and respect nature and the environment; and joyful opportunities to play, create, commune and discover.

Celebrating the Life of Tracey Gilbert

A campaign to support a memorial bench in Delaware Park