Tracey Ann DuEst

Tracey Ann DuEst, 50, of Portland, Maine, passed away unexpectedly at her home on September 1, 2023. Born on October 11, 1972, in Portland. She was the beloved daughter of Carolyn (Valente) DuEst and Mark DuEst and his wife Sandi DuEst.

Besides her parents, Tracey is lovingly remembered by her brother, Jim DuEst (his partner Cassandra Prebis); her son, Trey Maxey-DuEst her daughter, Tera Maxey-DuEst; and her two grandsons, Bentley, and Lucas.

She graduated from Portland High School in 1990.  She went to college at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, graduating in 1994 with great pride as a Registered Dietician. During her time at UMass Amherst, she used her strong competitive spirit, joining the Women’s Softball Team from 1990-1994. A team that would eventually finish 3rd in the country in the NCAA College World Series. After college, she held numerous positions while in Maine before moving to Ohio in 1998.  She helped launch a program called “Girls on the Run” in her community.  Tracey was passionate about learning, and continued her education from 2005-2008, achieving a Master’s in Education, specializing in Humane Education. While in Ohio, she also worked for Tri-Health and Xavier University, as the Associate Director of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion.

Tracey returned to Maine in October 2021 to be closer to her family. Wherever Tracey was, she dedicated time to building connections with family, new and old friends, and creating a community of love and inclusion. She touched the lives of many people with her big heart. Her infectious smile was a beacon of love and joy, and her genuine tenacity for kindness was felt deeply not only by those who knew her well, but anyone she encountered along the way. She poured her love into everything, including animals. She rescued those in need, including giving home to five dogs and twelve cats.

Tracey’s love and compassion for herself and others led her through her journey to becoming an Energy Codes Coach and Body Awake Certified yoga teacher. Tracey worked together with the Body Balancing Center, embarking as a Project Coordinator to bring to life the Integratable Wellness Center in Worcester, MA. To that end, she diligently worked to complete and launch her website HeartWings.com which she successfully completed in April of 2023. She felt deeply that her business was in alignment with her passion of helping and reaching others, as a nonprofit organization it would be a platform for accessible information, support, teachings, and podcasts about causes near and dear to her heart, especially mental health, diversity, equity and belonging.

She excelled at connecting with people and bringing together resources that could honor and serve the greater good.  She enjoyed life’s simple pleasures - the beach, bare feet on the grass, a quiet bath, and a Picnic Style lobster roll from Bite into Maine.

Tracey was completely and fiercely dedicated to her children, Trey, and Tera.  They were her pride and joy. She worked tirelessly advocating for them, loving them, and sharing every part of her beautiful soul with them.

Besides her immediate family, Tracey is survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and loving nieces and nephews. The void left by her passing is profound, but the memories and love she shared will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

We will be holding  space in our hearts with a Celebration of Tracey’s life  at 11 Am on Wednesday September 13, 2023 at A.T. Hutchins Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Avenue. Visitation will be from 10 Am until time of Service.

To share memories of Tracy or to leave the family an online condolence, please visit www.athutchins.com

In Lieu of flowers, contributions in Tracey’s memory may be made to:

  Maine Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, P.O. Box 336 Westbrook, Maine 04098 or

  The Opportunity Alliance at Attn: Development- 50 Lydia Lane, South Portland, Maine 04106