Obituary for Ellen Pratt
On April 5, 2021, Ellen Chamberlain Pratt, a life-long resident of South Glastonbury, passed away peacefully in her sleep. Ellen was born on December 7, 1934, at Hartford Hospital to Frederick and Dorothy Pratt of South Glastonbury. Ellen attended elementary school in South Glastonbury and then became a student at Northfield School for Girls in Massachusetts, where she fell in love with literature, horticulture, and the natural world of New England. After Northfield, Ellen was accepted to the University of Connecticut, where she earned both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in History. Upon graduation Ellen returned to Northfield to teach history, after which she decided to pursue her love of literature by becoming a librarian at the Hartford Public Library, where she spent the remainder of her professional life.
Ellen loved and was fascinated by horticulture and ornithology and her knowledge of those subjects knew no bounds. She was also incredibly passionate about American history, as well as the history of her beloved New England and especially her town of South Glastonbury, where the Pratt family had made so many contributions and friends over the years. In fact, nothing made her happier than traipsing through the countryside with her nieces, nephews and cousins, showing them the magical mysteries of the old Pratt Anchor Forge, the buildings of Cotton Hollow, and fishing for bullheads at Pond Pasture.
Ellen also loved cross country skiing, attending horse shows, and was active in the Connecticut Audubon Society and the Historical Society of South Glastonbury, loving the trips and excursions both organizations provided.
Ellen adored her family and cherished every moment with family members, especially around the holidays. With her dry wit, droll sense of humor, and mischievous nature, she could always be counted on to have people laughing and smiling at every gathering. And, as evidenced by her extensive collection of books, Ellen was a voracious reader and her field of knowledge was almost limitless. When questions about most anything arose, the common refrain was “Ask Ellen!” and a correct answer or explanation was always forthcoming. Ellen was truly a kind and loving friend and family member and she will be remembered, loved and missed by all who knew her.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Dorothy of South Glastonbury, and her brother, David Lovell Pratt of San Francisco. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Marie- Louise Pratt of San Francisco, her nephews David Lovell Pratt, Jr., John Edward Pratt (Bridgette), her niece, Melissa Jean Arian (Hugh), and their families consisting of five grand- nephews and one grand-niece. Ellen is also survived by her cousins Connie Packard Kamedulski (Greg), Mark Packard (Kathy), Ted Packard (Sheila), and their families.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held Sunday, May 30, at 1pm at Pratt Stables, 156 Tryon Street in South Glastonbury.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ellen’s name to the Historical Society of Glastonbury (hsgct.org) or to the Connecticut Audubon Society (ctaudubon.org). Please visit Ellen’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Ellen loved and was fascinated by horticulture and ornithology and her knowledge of those subjects knew no bounds. She was also incredibly passionate about American history, as well as the history of her beloved New England and especially her town of South Glastonbury, where the Pratt family had made so many contributions and friends over the years. In fact, nothing made her happier than traipsing through the countryside with her nieces, nephews and cousins, showing them the magical mysteries of the old Pratt Anchor Forge, the buildings of Cotton Hollow, and fishing for bullheads at Pond Pasture.
Ellen also loved cross country skiing, attending horse shows, and was active in the Connecticut Audubon Society and the Historical Society of South Glastonbury, loving the trips and excursions both organizations provided.
Ellen adored her family and cherished every moment with family members, especially around the holidays. With her dry wit, droll sense of humor, and mischievous nature, she could always be counted on to have people laughing and smiling at every gathering. And, as evidenced by her extensive collection of books, Ellen was a voracious reader and her field of knowledge was almost limitless. When questions about most anything arose, the common refrain was “Ask Ellen!” and a correct answer or explanation was always forthcoming. Ellen was truly a kind and loving friend and family member and she will be remembered, loved and missed by all who knew her.
Ellen was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Dorothy of South Glastonbury, and her brother, David Lovell Pratt of San Francisco. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Marie- Louise Pratt of San Francisco, her nephews David Lovell Pratt, Jr., John Edward Pratt (Bridgette), her niece, Melissa Jean Arian (Hugh), and their families consisting of five grand- nephews and one grand-niece. Ellen is also survived by her cousins Connie Packard Kamedulski (Greg), Mark Packard (Kathy), Ted Packard (Sheila), and their families.
A celebration of Ellen’s life will be held Sunday, May 30, at 1pm at Pratt Stables, 156 Tryon Street in South Glastonbury.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ellen’s name to the Historical Society of Glastonbury (hsgct.org) or to the Connecticut Audubon Society (ctaudubon.org). Please visit Ellen’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com