In Memoriam – Tracie Michelle Miranda-Hess (1974-2025)
In Memoriam – Tracie Michelle Miranda-Hess (1974-2025)
With reverence and love, we honor the life of Tracie Michelle Miranda‑Hess, a woman who walked with Jesus in her heart and the ancestors at her back. Her journey through this world was guided by faith, compassion, and a deep sense of spiritual responsibility — to her family, her community, and the Creator who shaped her path.
Her passing on May 2, 2025, leaves a sacred quiet in the circles she served. Yet her spirit continues to move among us, like the soft wind that carries both prayer and memory.
A Believer in Jesus Who Led with Love
At Vineyard Church in Chester Springs, PA, Tracie served as a worship leader, and spiritual guide. Her ministry was marked by:
- Gentle leadership rooted in humility
- A voice that carried prayer like a river carries light
- A heart for healing, reconciliation, and belonging
- A devotion to lifting others into the presence of God
She believed deeply in the Vineyard’s calling to “come as you are,” and she embodied that welcome in every interaction — offering grace, encouragement, and a steady presence to those who sought spiritual refuge.
Her faith was not performative; it was lived, breathed, and shared with sincerity.
A Taíno Woman Walking with the Creator
Tracie carried her Taíno ancestry with fierce pride. She refused to let the world believe the myth that the Taíno people had disappeared from Borikén, the Caribbean, or Turtle Island. With courage and clarity, she challenged that false narrative wherever she went.
She stood boldly for her people—honoring her ancestors while uplifting the living, thriving Taíno community. Anyone who crossed her path walked away knowing the truth she championed with her whole heart: the Taíno are still here, present, resilient, and unbroken.
A Pillar of ICAE and Reflections of Turtle Island
Within ICAE – Inter‑Tribal Council of AT&T Employees, Tracie was a board member, cultural advocate, and spiritual encourager. She helped create spaces where Indigenous employees could gather, be seen, and celebrate their identities.
In Reflections of Turtle Island, she brought her Taíno heritage into a broader Indigenous circle. She served as Vice President of ROTI offering:
- Cultural insight rooted in ancestral memory
- Support for Indigenous visibility and education
- A heart for unity among all Native nations
- A spiritual presence that uplifted every gathering
Her contributions strengthened ROTI’s mission to honor Indigenous cultures with authenticity, respect, and love.
A Life of Many Gifts
Tracie’s gifts were abundant and deeply felt:
- A classically trained vocalist whose worship carried the tenderness of prayer
- A visual artist, painting with the colors of spirit and story
- A genealogy advocate, helping adoptees reconnect with their roots
- A professional engineer at AT&T, serving with excellence and humility
- A devoted mother, whose greatest joy was her son and family
- A loving and supportive wife, who faithfully encouraged her husband
Her life was a testament to the belief that every gift is meant to be shared. – Hebrews 13:16: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
Her Legacy in Our Circle- Reflections of Turtle Island (ROTI)
Tracie’s legacy is one of faith, culture, compassion, and community.
She walked gently, loved deeply, and served faithfully.
Her spirit continues to guide us:
- in the work we do,
- in the communities she strengthened,
- in the songs she once sang,
- and in the stories we now carry forward in her honor.
We Honor Her Journey
May the Creator welcome her with open arms.
May the ancestors greet her with joy.
May her memory continue to bless all who walk the path she helped shape.
Han han katúa — She continues.
Her light remains.
Her legacy lives in all of us.