Melissa Tracey (Horan) Rensel

Melissa Tracey (Horan) Rensel, 53, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, passed away from complications of an extended illness on Sunday, Oct 1, 2023, at Presbyterian Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. 

Tracey was born in Augusta, Georgia, the daughter of Dr. Leo G Horan and Dr. Nancy C. Flowers Horan, who preceded her in death.  She was a Richmond High School (Augusta) graduate, class of 1988.  After graduation, she worked at Fort Gordon Military Hospital, Georgia as an EKG tech. She later moved with her family to Somerset, Kentucky where she received her associate degree in Surgical Technology from Somerset Community College.  Previously, Tracey had lived in Glasgow, KY and Tucson, AZ before moving to Albuquerque in 2012 to be closer to family. 

Among Tracey’s passions were celebrating Halloween, gardening, television cooking shows, and assembling a large and eclectic collection of miniature curios. She loved her cats and her wonderful dog, Boo. Her greatest joy was spending time with her daughter, Sarah, who was the light of her life.

Tracey is survived by her siblings, David Horan (Pam) of Memphis, Tennessee, Carolyn Paige (Horan) LoPour (Greg) of Los Ranchos, New Mexico; her daughter, Sarah Horan-LoPour (Lucas Erikson) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; as well as her many grandnieces and grandnephews.

A small private (immediate family only) funeral service will be held to honor her life.

In lieu of flowers, should friends desire, contributions may be sent to Animal Humane of New Mexico.

Please sign her online guestbook.