70 years Carmel, CA Theresa (“Tracy”) Steeper, age 70, of Carmel, California, passed away on September 17th, 2024 after a long struggle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Born in Virginia and raised in western Maryland, she completed her bachelor’s degree at Duke University in 1975 and received her M.D. degree from the University of North Carolina Medical School in 1979. Tracy married Donald Battles while in medical school and together they moved to Minnesota in 1979 to complete Tracy’s medical residency in pathology at the University of Minnesota. She remained in Minnesota for her entire working career and raised her family there. Upon retirement, Tracy and Don moved to Carmel, California. Tracy spent time in Carmel volunteering to help people with ESL and also supporting a local senior dog rescue. Tracy dedicated her life to her family, her career, and service, and left a legacy in all.
Tracy leaves behind her loving husband of 48 years, Donald Battles, her two sons Kyle (Nicole) Battles and Mark Battles, her two grandsons, Bruce and Duke, and her sister, Jennifer Steeper. She was a devoted wife and a proud mother, and instilled values of curiosity, kindness, and lifelong learning in her family.
Tracy made a significant impact during her time as a pathologist with Hospital Pathology Associates serving hospitals and clinics throughout Minnesota’s Twin Cities, including most of the larger hospitals in the area. Her expertise and dedication made an enormous impact on countless lives –both those of her patients and those she worked with. She was considered an excellent pathologist by her peers and was respected for her commitment, her diagnostic abilities and her work ethic.
Tracy enjoyed reading and traveling, she was an excellent cook and baker, and she was a resourceful gardener.
She was always eager to try new recipes, to learn new skills, crafts or hobbies, and to share them with others.
Tracy was a voracious reader, and her love of reading continued until her death as she became more limited in her ability to partake in many of her craft activities.
Tracy’s family would like to thank the staff of the neurology department at UCSF and the ALS Network for their support and treatment during Tracy’s illness.
Acelebration of life will be held at afuture date at her son Mark’s Saint Paul residence, for friends and family to gather and remember and honor Tracy. The family asks that contributions to the ALS Network (alsnetwork.org) be considered in lieu of other remembrances.
Tracy will be profoundly missed, but her legacy and memory will live on with those who loved her.