Mary Charlotte Pratt

Mary Charlotte Pratt was born on August 5, 1927, in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan and died on May 17, 2016, in Traverse City, Michigan. She is survived by her children, Peter Pratt (Linda Headley), Laura Jolly (Ron), and Katy Pratt and her two grandchildren, Andrew Streby (Marissa) and Elizabeth Pratt. Her husband of 36 years, Philip Pratt, passed away in 1989. Her father, Norman Hill, mother, Zoe Oven Hill and three brothers—Frank, Art, and Norm—have gone before her. Mary lived a rich and good life. She never called attention to herself and was always there for her family and many friends. She was a constant, stable, and loving presence in their lives. A woman of quiet passions, Mary devoted herself to gardening, cooking, and decorating, long before these pursuits had earned their own cable channels. Her self-taught style was distinctive, warm, and welcoming. And she undoubtedly improved with age. Mary moved to Traverse City in 1994 and immediately set about transforming a tired mid-century house and yard at the base of the Old Mission Peninsula into a haven for family, plants, flowers, and birds. Her children marveled at the vision she had to convert an orange-shag monstrosity into a tasteful, simple, and beautiful home. In short order, vision became reality. We happily sat with her in the morning, drinking coffee, talking, and watching the pileated woodpecker back down the oak near her porch. Without fuss, she made the place indelibly her own--and friends and family always felt at home there as well. She entertained often, bringing together diverse friends and family for drinks and delicious meals. Mary especially enjoyed hosting her children and their adult friends, many of whom she had watched grow up. Her parties were not loud affairs, but they were spiked with laughter and camaraderie. And she never ate before 7 pm, as a good meal should never be rushed. Mary was a generous soul, donating to many local, state, national, and international organizations, especially those committed to preserving natural resources and wildlife and finding homes for dogs. Her own loyal mutts, Bubbles and then Louie, were always by her side. Whenever she left the house in her car without Louie, he would wail for a good while at the porch window, so much did he miss her. Mary loved books, crossword puzzles, and art, reflecting a lifelong love of words and images. She was an accomplished artist as a young woman, attending the University of Michigan to study drawing and painting. She married Philip Pratt in 1952 and they lived in Pontiac and Bloomfield Township until his passing in 1989. Mary had a wide circle of friends, but she had fallen in love with Traverse City. Pulling up stakes and moving there in 1994, she made a whole new set of good friends and volunteered regularly at several nonprofits in town. She loved to travel and made numerous trips to Europe and Central America with family and friends. Although Mary did not lead a flashy life, she made deep and lasting impressions on the people who knew her. Unfailingly kind and friendly, she left everyone she met happier for the time that they spent with her. To use her own words to describe others, she was "a good egg." We will think of you, mom, when we plant our gardens, fill our bird feeders, and enjoy the company of loved ones over a good meal. Donations in Mary’s memory should be made to Hospice of Michigan or the Missaukee Humane Society. The family will hold a private service in June. Please share your thoughts and memories with Mary’s family by way of her online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being cared for by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Mary Charlotte Pratt

August 5, 1927 - May 17, 2016