Joan Tracey Axelberd

Joan Tracey Axelberd, 74, died Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Tranquility Hospice in Marietta, Ga. A private graveside service and interment at New Freedom Cemetery will be held at the convenience of her family. J.J. Hartenstein Mortuary, Inc., New Freedom, is assisting with arrangements. Born September 4, 1941 in Baltimore, Md., she was a daughter of the late Richard W. Tracey, V.M.D. and Mellie E. (Keech) Tracey. A 1959 graduate of Hereford High School in Parkton, Md., Joan did her undergraduate work at Towson University in Towson, Md. and earned her Masters of Education degree at The University of West Georgia.She was very involved with the Cobb County Daylily Society and with multiple square dancing clubs in Cobb County, Georgia.Joan was a devoted mother, grandmother and sister. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and David Van de Vate of Kennesaw, Ga.; three grandsons, Luke Van de Vate, Clay Van de Vate, and Reid Van de Vate; her twin sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Jim Holley of New Freedom; and nieces, Laura Lipinski, Linda Slenker, Leslie Nipkow, and Lisa Hawes.Joan was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew Van de Vate, and a sister, Barbara Nipkow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joan’s name may be made to Calvary Children’s Home, 1430 Lost Mountain Rd., Powder Springs, GA30127 or to Atlanta Lab Rescue, 1422 Woodmont Ln. NW #2, Atlanta, GA 30318.