Rosemary ‘Rosie’ (Viau) Pratt
ESCANABA — Rosemary “Rosie” (Viau) Pratt, 89, passed away on Monday, June 15, 2020, at Cedar Hill Assisted Living in Bark River after a lengthy illness. She was beloved by many, especially her family, friends and the caregivers at Cedar Hill and Northwoods Assisted Living Centers. Her wit and clever sense of humor brightened many days.
Rosemary was a lifelong resident of Escanaba, born Sept. 25, 1930, the daughter of Emil and Rose (Gareau) Viau. She graduated from St. Joseph’s High School in Escanaba in 1948.
Rosemary married (John) Jack Pratt in Escanaba on Nov. 26, 1949, the same day her sister Theresa married Patrick Rudden. They shared a wedding reception in North Escanaba. Jack preceded Rosemary in death in 2008 after 58 years of marriage.
Rosemary was a longtime member of St. Thomas Church. Prior to her illness, she was an active volunteer at church, assisting at CCD instruction, funeral luncheons, pasty-making and in any capacity she was needed.
Together, Rosemary and Jack built a cottage on Deerfield Lane in Stonington where her sons and daughters and their families and friends made many happy memories. She enjoyed playing Smear with her family, and ended many days playing competitive games. She was also an avid Bingo enthusiast.
Rosemary baked and cooked tirelessly for her family. When she rested, she enjoyed playing with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, patiently playing games, visiting parks and reading stories for hours. Homemade cookies were always available for these visits.
Survivors include her children, Larry of East Lansing, Mich., John (Paula) of Syracuse, N.Y. and Jacksonville, Fla., Mary Fulton of Arkansas, Barbara of Lyndhurst, Ohio, Jim (Jane) of Escanaba, and Tom of Slidell, La.; grandchildren, Kathy (Jose) Estrada, Melissa Pratt and Jeff (Robyn) Pratt, Ben (Kim) Oja and Rebecca Ripley, Brandon (Emily), Jason, and Travis Pratt. Brittany and Brianna Pratt; 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; sister, Theresa Rudden, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents and husband, Rose was preceded in death by her son-in-law, Ted Fulton; her grandson Robert Fulton; brothers, Lawrence, Wallace (Abe) and Emmett Viau; and sister, Beverly St. Cyr.
Visitation will be on Friday, June 19, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Homes, 302 S. 13th St. Escanaba. The funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Rick Courier officiating. To comply with the current regulations, please enter the funeral home using the north entrance on 2nd Avenue and exit using the east (front) door of the building. At the conclusion of the funeral service burial will take place at Lakeview Cemetery in Escanaba.
A message of condolence may be directed to the Pratt family by visiting crawfuneralhomes.net