White River Junction, VT – Our indomitable force of nature, Patricia L. Pratt, passed away peacefully at home in the company of loved ones on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at the age of 95.

Patricia was born in Framingham, MA on April 7th, 1930, to Edward and Mary Merrill. Edward was a published historian and teacher and Mary, a homemaker and arts instructor. Education was important to Patricia. She graduated from Newton Public High School in 1948 and then went to Colby College. She received her bachelor's degree at Colby and graduated in 1952. From there she gained her master's in education from Wheelock College in Boston.

Patricia accepted a job as a first-grade teacher at Beethoven Elementary in Newton, MA where she caught the eye of a fellow teacher, Richard Pratt. Richard and Patricia were wed on June 25th, 1958. They moved to Millis, MA and planned to start a family. On May 25th, 1962, they welcomed their only child, Robert or Bobby (now Bob). Life was good; she took a break from work to be a stay-at-home mom, they spent time with friends, camped, and traveled the East coast. The family moved to Medfield, MA in 1968 and Patricia would reside there for 57 more years.

Sadly, Richard's family had a kidney disease that claimed all and Richard was no exception. Richard spent 8 years in and out of Mass General and finally passed away in 1976. During Richard's illness, Patricia found it necessary to return to work as the disease took its toll financially.

Patricia started a successful team-building business called Pratt and Associates and for several years ran that daily and cared for Richard at night. After many years Richard passed and finances stabilized; Patricia was able to enjoy a long and peaceful life with the resources to pursue other interests.

Patricia partially retired in her 60s, which freed her up for full-time volunteering. She continued to share her passion for education, now in the Dorchester and Roxbury districts and within the Massachusetts Correctional Institutions. On weekends, she would frequently host legendary pool parties for her inner-city students and created at least one lifelong friendship with an incarcerated individual, writing and phoning frequently.

Patricia had a particular knack for finding and then befriending interesting groups of people. This was a habit she continued throughout her life and grew into an amazing community of neighbors and friends in Medfield. Her best friend and life mentor, Barbara Davenport, was always up for an adventure. Patricia was in Medfield for 57 years and Bob Scott and June Kibbe were her neighbors and friends from the start. They are still there and she missed them these last few years. More recent neighbors in Medfield, Eddie and Beckett Lung, helped her to continue her faith journey within the congregation of the Boston Church of Christ. She enjoyed walks in the neighborhood with Beckett and their dog, Oreo. She was very active in the church and made so many lasting friendships there.

Patricia had a debilitating stroke in 2023, necessitating a move to Vermont to be near to her son and family. In a difficult market, the family found a beautiful home and set up a care giving situation enjoyed by all. Patricia had the company of her granddaughter, Krysta and her spouse Corey, who attended to much of her daily care. Her grandson Riley, the true apple of Patricia's eye, was part of her everyday routine. The time was eased by a friend, Marcie, and day respite at the excellent "Scotland House." She enjoyed being at the center of their lives over the past few years, getting to know all their friends and coworkers, attending her great grandson's ball games and enjoying meals together.

During her life Patricia was a practitioner of Yankee frugality and modeled sustainability before it was fashionable. Her example benefited and is followed by her family to this day.

Patricia forged a rich, full life and had a dignified, loving death. Well done all.

She is survived by her son Robert Pratt and his spouse Karen Hewitt; granddaughter Krysta Pratt and spouse Corey Finlayson; great grandson Riley Pratt-Finlayson; other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and younger sister, Martha "Muff" Philbrook.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the Hartford Cemetery. Memorial donations are appreciated to the VT Volunteer Services for Animals Humane Society (vvsahs.net).

Knight Funeral Home of White River Junction, VT is honored to be entrusted with arrangements and online condolences may be expressed at www.knightfuneralhomes.com.