Leah "Jean" Pratt

A woman who was truly beautiful on the inside and out, Leah “Jean” Pratt was a gift in the lives of so many within her reach. With an unwavering faith as her constant companion she masterfully traversed both the peaks and valleys along her life’s journey. It was clear to see that there was no greater joy in Jean’s life than her family, and as great-grandmothers go she was simply the best. She was known for her gracious heart and her strong moral convictions, leaving behind a shining legacy that is to be admired. Jean provided lessons in compassion, conviction, and unconditional love that will continue to be a vital part in the lives of those who follow her.

The 1920s were some of the most vibrant days we have ever seen as a nation. America was recognized as a world leader with the eyes of the world focused on our shores for what was to come. It was as they were preparing for Christmas that a young couple from Newark, Ohio, was thrilled to welcome a healthy baby girl into their hearts and home on December 23, 1926. Baby Leah was the first of six children born to her parents, William and Ellen (Welch) O’Reilly. Her father worked at a local paper mill and furniture store while her mother was a busy homemaker. Tragedy struck in young Jean’s life when her mother suffered a stroke while giving birth to one of Jean’s siblings. As a result she moved into an orphanage with her sisters, her brothers were placed in different orphanage where they all remained for five years.

Jean was then delighted to be reunited with her family again after that five years had passed, and they moved to Otsego, Michigan. She lived a simple life and learned to be content in all things, skills that would serve her well throughout her life. Her mother had some limitations as the stroke she suffered left her blind. Jean often had to “save” one of her siblings from the other kids friends when they were picked on. Jean attended local schools, graduating from Plainwell High School.

With her formal education behind her Jean began working full-time in the front office for Kalamazoo Stove Company. Someone who was always resourceful, she taught herself the skills she needed to complete her work. Jean later began working as a legal secretary for Lewis and Company Law Office. It was while working there that Jean became reacquainted with the man with whom she would share a lifetime of love. His name was David Pratt, and although they had met while she was working at the Kalamazoo Stove Company Dave had assumed she was taken so it wasn’t until they met awhile later that he finally asked her out. Their dates included summer drive to Lake Michigan during the weekends to Saugatuck and Jean would sport a golden tan. Many Saturday’s they drove down to South Bend where they rooted for the Irish at the Notre Dame Football games – being they’re both Irish and proud of their heritage! They also bowled together. After dating for ten years the couple was married on June 11, 1955, at St. Augustine Cathedral followed by a honeymoon in San Francisco.

Not long after they married Jean and Dave discovered they would soon become parents. Together they were blessed with six children, Karen, Teresa, David, Mary, Kevin, and Mark. They raised their children in Kalamazoo, and Jean ran a tight ship. She seamlessly cared for her home and family while working outside the home. Jean eventually began working for the Mosher Law Office where she remained for the rest of her career until she retired in her early seventies after a mild stroke. When new skills were required along the way in her work, Jean was again self-taught. She had a great relationship with her bosses, and her schedule was as flexible as she needed it to be. Jean was an active part of her children’s lives in things like Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, and Girl Scouts, and she also exposed her children to cultural attractions like museums while teaching them to appreciate the arts and nature as well.

Jean saw to it that her home ran efficiently. She was a fantastic cook famous for her comfort foods and mouthwatering lasagna, and everything was always baked from scratch. Jean involved her children in everyday things like picking a variety of seasonal fruits. The family enjoyed time spent camping in Pentwater during the summer. They had a pop-up camper they took on trips in Northern Michigan. On one occasion, they rented a cabin right on Lake Superior. The Pratts also took their camper to Florida to visit family and later enjoyed fun-filled trips to places like Cedar Point, Mammoth Cave, and Niagara Falls. The kids knew that their parents had date night at home every Saturday night, and Jean also supported her husband in his various endeavors like golf and bowling. They had a large group of friends and regularly went to the Knights of Columbus.

There was rarely a time that Jean wasn’t busy doing something. She loved experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen and tending to her many flowers and feeding the birds. Many of her fresh ingredients were bought at the Farmer’s Market. Jean knitted countless hats, scarves, afghans and pairs of booties, and she was one to stay up with the latest technology, even embracing the world of email. She attended services each week at St. Joseph and loved traveling. Jean’s most memorable trip was to Ireland on two separate occasions, and vacationed in Holden Beach, North Carolina, where they went for more than five years during the winter. Jean was passionate about the current world of politics and could get quite fired up about the common sense things she believed in.

Later in life Jean was an extraordinary grandmother who loved spoiling her grandchildren. She always made sure that birthdays and holidays were marked with unforgettable celebrations.

Just last week Jean’s friends and family were deeply saddened when she suffered a massive stroke. A fighter to the end, Jean hung on until her family was able to gather by her side to tell her goodbye one last time and then gave us additional 4 days to voice to her what needed to be said.

Leah “Jean” Pratt will be remembered as a passionate, driven, and selfless woman who was the most effective communicator we knew. She never shied away from speaking her opinion, whether we wanted to hear it or not, and she was usually right, too. Jean lived her life to please those around her and was a take charge sort of person who was always striving to learn new things. She will be deeply missed while her memory is forever cherished.

Leah “Jean” Pratt died on a beautifully, peaceful, bright-sun-shining through her bedroom windows day on September 11, 2012. Within 10 minutes of her passing came a hummingbird to her bedroom window followed by the wind picking up. Jean’s family includes her husband, David W. Pratt, Jr.; 5 children: Karen (Daniel) Ferrara; David W. Pratt III, Mary Pratt (Dennis Rice), Kevin (Sylvia) Pratt and Mark Pratt (Sigrid Hahn); 9 grandchildren: Gabrielle (Eric) Cullifer, Christine Ferrara, Kalei McCormack, Shyanna (Steve) Liggins, Robert, Dominique, Grant, Katherine and William Pratt; 4 great-grandchildren: Gavin, Audrianna, Ellianna and Olivia; 2 siblings: Donald O’Reilly, and Betty (Al) Nichols; and many nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Teresa, and 2 siblings: Joseph O’Reilly and Rita Eady. Visit with Jean’s family and friends on Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler; 6080 Stadium Dr. 375-2900 where a rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial in Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can archive a memory or photo and sign her online guestbook. Memorial donations may be directed to Congregation of St. Joseph.