TRIBUTES have been paid to an "amazing" member of the Dunfermline High School community who has died at the age of 53.
Mum-of-four Tracy McAlpine passed away on October 8 at the Victoria Hospice and a funeral service to celebrate her life took place at the Glen Pavilion on Wednesday.
Her husband Kenny said his wife left an "indelible mark" on the lives of those fortunate to have known her.
"Tracy was a relentless and dedicated individual, known for her tireless commitment to both her family and her professional endeavours," he said.
"Her determination and unwavering work ethic, even while undergoing treatment, served as a source of inspiration to everyone she encountered.
"Beyond her roles as a wife and mother, Tracy was a dear friend to many, exemplifying boundless kindness and compassion. Her willingness to lend an empathetic ear and extend a helping hand to those in need was a testament to her generous spirit.
"The loss of Tracy has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Yet, her memory will forever be cherished, a testament to the profound impact she had on the lives she touched.
"The family, wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated medical professionals who played a crucial role in Tracy's journey.
"Special recognition is extended to the exceptional individuals at the Victoria Hospice in Kirkcaldy. Moreover, the family is deeply appreciative of the generous attendees of Tracy's funeral, who, through their contributions, helped raise an impressive £1300.
"This heartfelt donation will be directed to support the Victoria Hospice, a testament to Tracy's enduring legacy of compassion and care."
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Dunfermline High's rector, Iain Yuill, said the school had been in mourning since Tracy's passing.
"Dunfermline High School has been fortunate to have an outstanding team of kitchen staff, cleaners and janitorial staff for many years and Tracy was instrumental in creating this team spirit," he told the Press.
"She loved being part of a school community and did everything in her power to make sure that all pupils, staff and members of the public were catered for.
"Tracy was not just part of a school community, she was the person who made the school community. She was incredibly popular with pupils and all staff. The kitchen team didn’t just work for Tracy, they adored her and were very close socially with their annual trip to York a highlight of the year.
"Our janitors and cleaners were very much part of a bigger team that Tracy was central to. This team wanted the best for our pupils but also had a good laugh doing it thanks to her determination to support everybody and her infectious sense of humour."
Mr Yuill said Tracy's determination to provide the right food for pupils was known across Fife and reflected in the school's high uptake of meals.
"Tracy McAlpine was incredibly positive and worked extremely hard. She never complained about anything, including her ill-health, and only ever thought about others," he added.
"Even in very poor health she would fit her treatment around interval and lunchtime and be in at the crack of dawn to make sure that it was all prepared. Despite all of this, she still somehow managed to find lots of time to spend with her beloved family who are all so close.
"Management specialists would marvel at how one person could manage to keep so many people so happy and create this team spirit. How could she do all this work, keep everybody she ever met so happy, get everybody to work hard and be so devoted to her family? How could this person have so much humility?
"They would be wasting their time trying to find out the secret as Tracy was just being herself and was driven by making others happy. She was unique.
"Tracy McAlpine was just an amazing person. We are so sad to have lost her but so fortunate to have had her in our lives."
Tracy is survived by husband Kenny and children Lisa, Scott, Amy and Kym.
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