Nancy J. Pratt, 88, of Erie, IL, fell a hair short of her goal of living to the age of 140, on Saturday, November 16, 2024, surrounded by her family.
Nancy Jean Kennedy was born October 15,1936, in Sullivan, IL, to Arthur and Elinor (Boyer) Kennedy. She graduated from Pittsville, WI, High School in 1954 and married William Pratt on November 26, 1955, in Fulton, IL. He preceded her in death on October 11, 2019.
Nancy held various jobs over the years, but her primary, and most difficult, job was keeping her family in line. Nancy was a devout member of St. Ambrose Catholic Church and enjoyed quilting, crossword puzzles, sending absurd birthday cards, and thinking up various projects for her kids to do. She was happiest when she was surrounded by her large and loud family.
Those left to still fear her Irish temper include her sons, Randall Pratt of Erie, and Kenneth (Sara) Pratt of Dundas MN; daughters, Sherrie (Marty) Verkruysse and Kelly (Mark) Nitz of Erie, and Cathleen (Rob) Vegter of Morrison, IL; daughter-in-law, Brenda (Bill) Wainwright of Port Byron, IL; 17 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren (with one on the way); one great-great-grandson.
She is also survived by her brothers, Wayne (Pat) Kennedy, Gary (Denise) Kennedy, Ralph Kennedy, Dale (Bonny) Kennedy, and Steve (Susie) Kennedy; sisters, Joyce Robbins, Janet (Guy) Price, and Beverly Decker; a plethora of nieces and nephews. Left behind to keep her church pew warm are her “church kids,” Donna Borkovec and Jeff Wirth; cousin, Tom Sullivan.
Welcoming her into Heaven are her parents; husband, Bill; son, James Pratt; sister, Shirley Armstrong.
The family would like to thank everyone who helped care and spoil her in her final months. At last, Mom now knows who ate the jar of olives.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 22, 2024, at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Erie, IL.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Thursday, November 21, 202, with a Rosary service at 7:00 p.m., at Gibson-Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL.
Burial will be in the Erie Cemetery, Erie, IL.
Memorials may be made to St. Ambrose Church, Erie, IL.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.