Tracy Hall Seidman of Wagon Mound, NM, passed away peacefully in her sleep from a sudden illness on August 21st, 2023, surrounded by close friends and family.
Known and widely respected as both a fine artist and a working cowgirl, Tracy was born in New York, NY on October 13th, 1950 to Bill and Sally Seidman. Pre-deceased by her parents, Tracy is survived by her two children Jediah Cirigliano Seidman and Berry E. Bachen; her siblings Tom Seidman, Sarah Seidman, Carrie Seidman, Meg Williams and Robin Volock, and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.
After growing up outside Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tracy left college early to become an illustrator of children’s books in Connecticut. In 1974, her father and aunt decided they wanted to buy a ranch in New Mexico. Tracy volunteered to find a property and identified what became the family ranch for the next 50 years, the Real Wagon Mound Ranch. Originally, Tracy planned on securing the ranch and staying for only a year, but she fell in love with the land, the people and the lifestyle and remained there for the rest of her life.
At a time when there were few independent female ranchers, Tracy, a life-long equestrian, saddled up with the cowboys and rode the range. She became well known for breeding and raising some of the best Corriente cattle in the nation. A woman of many talents and interests, Tracy also served under several New Mexican governors on the Interstate Stream Commission and later served as chair of the governing Trust of the Valles Caldera National Preserve.
An artist from her earliest years, Tracy mastered many mediums throughout her life. Quilting, watercolor painting, bas relief carving, welding, stonework and culinary arts were all in her repertoire, but she was most recognized for her traditional pine needle basketmaking and cartography.
Tracy had a huge impact on many people during her life; she lived and loved life to the fullest. She was laid to rest in Boot Hill Cemetery, on the hillside of a canyon overlooking the land she loved so dearly and that was so much a part of her.
A memorial will be held on October 7th, 2023 from 2-5pm at the ranch headquarters, please contact the family for more information.
