Barbara Pratt

Barbara Jean (Valence) Pratt, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, was called to be with the angels on July 22, 2020 in Goodyear, Arizona, after a difficult battle with Alzheimer's. She was born on March 26, 1938 in Johnson City, New York, and was the daughter of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Valence. In her youth she was a bit of a mischief-maker, but she always valued education. After graduating from St. Cyril Academy High School in Danville, Pennsylvania, where she was elected class president all 5 years, she attended Wilson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing and Syracuse University on scholarship. She excelled in her nursing career and later in real estate. But her real devotion and passion was to her family—especially her children and grandchildren. She loved being everywhere they were, enjoyed everything they did, and cherished being a part of their lives. If there was a game, a performance, or any important moment, no matter how far or the sacrifices required, she made sure she was there to be a part of it. She truly lived the ideals she instilled in her family: Always be a giving person. Live for people, because if you live for yourself you’ll always be alone. There is nothing more important than family. Barbara truly lived for her family, and she was never alone. She made sure the people she loved knew just how much, and that they would never doubt that. She gave to others selflessly, and loved unconditionally. She saw herself as a gypsy. Always up for an adventure, a trip, or a visit to loved ones. And that vagabond spirit endeared her deeply to us all. She was predeceased by her husband, Anton T. Pratt Jr.; her son, Phillip; and her daughter, Lynne Kurutz. She is survived by her son, Anton T. Pratt III; daughter-in-law, Diane Pratt; grandchildren Dayne, Tarin, and Tynan Pratt and Michael and Evan Kurutz; her sister Mary Ann (Valence) Browning; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.