On Dec. 4, 2023, Joyce Mary Robert Pratt passed away at the age of 91. A lifelong artist, Joyce found joy in her creative practice and worked as a commercial illustrator, a silversmith and enjoyed a long career as an award-winning painter. Her work reflected back the way in which she saw such immense beauty in the world around her.
Joyce had an adventurous spirit matched by a compassionate soul. With a deep love for the outdoors, Joyce spent countless hours immersed in nature swimming, hiking, cross-country skiing and kayaking throughout New York, New England and Florida. Joyce was devoted to her church and her community, embracing those around her without discrimination. She was deeply involved in the Civil Rights movement and AIDS advocacy in Albany, N.Y., during the 1960s, 70s and 80s. Her love of animals – both great and small – manifested through her generous philanthropy to rescue shelters down to the neighborhood chipmunks she fed from her hand.
She was a fearless trailblazer, who lived her life fully and passionately. With her late husband, Ronald Pratt, Joyce found someone who respected and honored her authenticity, and the two celebrated 57 years of marriage that shone with kindness and so much laughter. The family that surrounded her was a testament to the immense love created by this union.
Joyce is survived by her two children, Gordon (Marlene) Pratt and Cynthia Anne Pratt; her grandchildren, Lee (Jessica) Tietje, Sarah (Ralph Mietz, Jr.) Tietje-Mietz, Sophie Pratt, Chloe Pratt; and her great-grandchildren Gavin Tietje and Lilah-Rose Tietje.
The family would like to make a special note of thanks to Joyce’s caretakers: Paula, Cindy O., Stacy (and her dog Lola), Cindie P., Alicia and Alex.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 12 Mill St., Cazenovia. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Wayward Paws, Inc., 9048 Delphi Falls Road, New Woodstock, NY 13122 or online at waywardpawsinc.org. Condolences for the Pratt family may be left at michaelebrownfuneralservices.com.
