Tracey Baker, a beloved community advocate and former owner of the now-closed ZuZu Fashion Boutique on Dunlop Street, is being remembered for her generosity, spirit, and dedication to making Barrie a better place following her death this month after a courageous battle with cancer.
“She was gregarious, yes, and very caring for people,” said her friend Catherine Kenwell.
Baker’s impact reached far beyond the walls of her boutique. Whether it was supporting local authors, organizing creative community clean-ups, or curating unique fashion pieces, she left a lasting impression on downtown Barrie.
“She was always thinking of the community. She was always thinking of others,” said Jayne Pritchard, a former CTV News Barrie anchor, who experienced Baker’s kindness firsthand.
When Pritchard published her book Breast Cancer: After the Diagnosis, Baker was among the first to offer her support, hosting Pritchard’s inaugural book signing.
“I appreciated that so much,” Pritchard said. “My very first book signing—she had faith in me, in what I was doing. And we were sort of on a similar journey, so I think we had that.”
Baker’s presence in the downtown core was described as foundational, embodying a spirit of connection and generosity.
“It means so much to have a person who looks beyond herself, beyond her store, and takes in the community,” said Craig Stevens, executive director of the Downtown Barrie BIA. “She just provided so much.”
Her passion for the community extended to a deep love for animals, particularly dogs. “She loved dogs,” Kenwell said. “Anything to do with dogs. It was her passion.”
That passion led Baker to a key role with COPE Service Dogs, a Barrie-based charity that raises and trains service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities.
“She had this magnetic personality,” said Jane Boake, founder of COPE Service Dogs. “So everybody wanted to get behind what Tracey was getting behind.”
Baker’s impact on COPE was profound. “Just before she passed, she had the honour of naming one of the COPE dogs, and she chose the name Grace,” Boake shared.
For those closest to Baker, the name holds deep significance. “Grace,” Kenwell said when asked what lesson she took from their friendship. “I think that’s it. I think that’s the word that I would say.”
Perhaps it was coincidence—or perhaps a final gesture from Baker—one that encapsulated a life dedicated to kindness, generosity, and, above all, grace.
Baker passed away March 7. She was 63.
1 of 7
