Mary Pratt

Mary Pratt was the kind of person you felt right away in her presence. She had a spark and usually a little sparkle about her. Fiercely independent, determined, and never afraid to speak her mind, Mary worked hard, cared deeply for the people she loved, and found joy in life’s everyday moments. Whether it was spending time together, sharing a home-cooked meal, cheering on her grandkids at soccer games, or simply enjoying random moments with family, those were the things that meant the most to her.

Mary was born on November 11, 1952, and grew up in Portage, Michigan alongside her sister, Marsha. She was known early on for her strong will and lively personality. With her long hair and fearless spirit, Mary wasn’t one to be told what she could or couldn’t do. She had an independent streak from the beginning and was always ready to try something new. After graduating from Portage Central High School, she set out on her own at just 18 years old, eager to experience life for herself.

Mary’s greatest pride in life was her son, BJ. She raised him in the Vicksburg area until his junior year of high school, when they relocated to Portage. She was a devoted and hardworking mother who did everything she could to give him a good life. Baking was one of the ways she showed her love. BJ’s birthday always meant her homemade lemon cake, and when he was in high school, Mary became known for cooking big breakfasts for him and his friends. She welcomed them all, which made her pretty popular with the group. Even when BJ was in college, she still insisted on doing his laundry each week. At the same time, she made sure he understood the value of kindness, responsibility, and hard work.

Mary worked hard as a single mom throughout her life to support herself and BJ. She spent time at National Water Lift Company and enjoyed the family days that allowed her to take BJ on trips to places like Cedar Point and Chicago. Later, she built a long and respected career at Stryker, where she worked for more than 20 years as an executive assistant. Mary had a natural ability to anticipate what others needed and took pride in being someone people could always rely on.

Becoming a grandmother brought Mary tremendous happiness. Known lovingly as “Grandma Mary,” she adored her grandchildren, Cade and Myla. She loved bringing them gummy bears after soccer games, celebrating birthdays, spoiling them with gifts, and making Christmas special especially when it came time to decorate far too many Christmas cookies together. Mary also welcomed Amanda, BJ’s girlfriend, and her daughters Bella, Gabby, and Lucie into her life with open arms. Watching her family grow and enjoy life together brought her real joy.

Mary was also known for her incredible resilience. Over the years, she faced more than her share of health challenges, including multiple battles with breast cancer and colon cancer, as well as a heart attack at age 45. She had also survived a serious horse-riding accident in her early twenties. Through it all, Mary kept going. She rarely let those challenges define her and remained the steady, dependable presence family and friends could always count on. Mary was, simply put, a survivor.

Outside of work and family, Mary had plenty of interests that brought her happiness. She loved watching Red Wings hockey, spending time updating her home, and shopping whether she was looking for something specific or just browsing. She collected Sid Dickens tiles and enjoyed getting her nails done, always adding a little sparkle to life wherever she could…from her unique nails to the decorations around her home. Mary loved a good Diet Coke, an ICE drink, or an occasional gin and tonic with lime. Friends and family knew her for her shrimp cocktails and her signature skewers made with cheddar cheese, pickles, mini weenies, and olives. She enjoyed music from the 1960s, lunch dates with her friend Deb, and shopping trips with her friend Loren. For the past 22 years, she enjoyed life at her condo in Quail Meadows.

More than anything, Mary will be remembered for her strength, her independence, and the love she had for her son and grandchildren. She was a proud mother, a devoted grandmother, and someone who showed up for the people she cared about. Her presence leaves a space that will be deeply felt, but the memories she created will remain with those who loved her.

Mary Pratt, age 73, died peacefully at StoryPoint in Portage. Cremation has taken place. Family and friends are invited to gather for a Life Story Visitation on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, from 5–7 PM at Betzler Life Story Funeral Homes, 6080 Stadium Drive in Kalamazoo, where food, drinks, and stories will be shared as we remember Mary together. Friends and family may also share memories and photos on her page at BetzlerLifeStory.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Breast Cancer Foundation.