Tracy Ettinger

Sept. 9, 1963 - July 21, 2024

Tracy Ann Ettinger passed away on July 21, 2024 at age 60 after a long, hard-fought battle with breast cancer. She was born September 9, 1963 in Montebello, CA to Ivan and Marian Sandler, and was the youngest of four children. As a child growing up in La Mirada, Tracy was a model student, athletic, well-liked, and active in the local BBG chapter. At La Serna High School in Whittier, CA, she was a member of the student senate, involved in the drama program, and graduated with honors in 1981. She then earned her bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering from UCLA with honors in 1986. Tracy married the love of her life and best friend, Marc Ettinger, in Dove Canyon, CA in 1992. In 1996 she obtained a certificate in interior and environmental design through UC Irvine, which helped launch a new career path. With an exquisite eye for detail, and a love of minimalism and modern design, Tracy helped bring her distinct artistic point of view into residential and commercial spaces as a successful interior designer. Her passion was the mid-century home she shared with her husband and beloved dachshunds (Ruby, Indy, Reese, CeCe, Joey, and Journee). Tracy will be remembered for her courageous spirit, her sharp wit, and her love of life. She never let cancer slow her down or stop her from achieving her goals. She was a world traveler, an art aficionado, and an extrovert who could converse on a range of topics from current events to sports. She had a great sense of humor - like when she walked down the aisle at her wedding with Marc’s identical twin brother Mike, just to get a few laughs. She was a voracious reader of books, newspapers, and magazines, always keeping up with the latest trends in fashion, art, architecture, politics, and technology. She was incredibly detail oriented and always impeccably dressed. She loved to entertain, and was a gracious hostess who wooed her guests with elegant tablescapes and a gourmet experience. She was a loyal friend and companion who loved her husband, her family, her friends, and her doggies. If she was your friend, it was for life. She is survived by Marc, her devoted husband of 32 years, her mother Marian Sandler, her sister Deborah Madnick (Ira), her brother Bryan Sandler, and her nieces and nephews Amy Springer (Thomas, Zeke), Matt Madnick (Liana, Isaac, Levi), Sarina Thomas (Martti, Amelia), Bailey Helma (Chris, Margot), Rachel Sandler (Ben), and Danielle Sandler (Gia, Brady, Melo). A memorial service was held at Temple Bat Yahm in Newport Beach, CA on July 25, 2024. In honor of her legacy, Tracy would like to acknowledge the kindness and care provided by her medical teams at Keck Medicine of USC and Hoag Hospital and The Common Thread for the Cure Foundation. If so inclined, please pay tribute to her memory with a donation (commonthreadforthecure.org).