Glady, 93, of Boothbay Harbor died August 26, 2014 at her home, Pratt’s Harmony Farm. Glady was born in Watertown, MA on July 25, 1921, the daughter of Wilfred and Margaret (Ducette) DesLauriers. She attended Catholic schools in Newton, MA where classes were taught in French in the morning and English in the afternoon. She was the third child of six children and spent most of her free time looking after her three younger siblings and running the household while her mother worked.
On August 12, 1938, at age 17, she married Frederick Pratt of Waltham, MA and they remained happily married for 68 years until Fred’s death. In December, 1939 their only child Carol was born. During World War II Glady helped the war effort by testing radar tubes for the Raytheon and Government engineers. Following the war the family moved to southern California where Glady and Fred, a watch maker, worked in a large successful jewelry store. However, after a year they yearned for New England with its four seasons and returned to Massachusetts.
In 1947 they moved to Boothbay Harbor and purchased the former Bullock’s Jewelry Store, which they renamed Pratt’s Jewelry and Gift Store (now A Silver Lining). They operated this store for 50 years.
Glady was a woman of many talents. At Pratt’s Jewelry and Gift Store she was the bookkeeper, chief sales person and buyer. She was in charge except for Fred’s workshop in the back room where he repaired watches and clocks. Over the years she helped many children select just the right Christmas and birthday gifts for their mothers and could remember from year to year their previously purchased gifts, so she was able to recommend a matching piece of jewelry.
At home Glady was a gentleman farmer’s wife, canning the many vegetables from Fred’s enormous garden. They raised pigs, sheep, horses, chickens and dreadful geese that scared their guests. She was a wonderful cook and loved entertaining. She was happiest in her kitchen preparing a meal for friends and family. After retirement Glady spent many winters in Florida but was always eager to return to Maine and her beloved Pratt’s Harmony Farm. She also had a love for young people, helping many teens who needed encouragement or advice.
Glady was predeceased by her husband Frederick Pratt. She is survived by her daughter, Carol Jorgensen and husband Svend of Boothbay Harbor; two grandsons, Eric Jorgensen of Old Orchard Beach and Peter Jorgensen and his wife Sarah of Freeport and one great grandson, Kai Jorgensen.
A family graveside service will be held at Evergreen Cemetery in Boothbay at a later date.
Donations in Glady’s name can be made to the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund, P.O. Box 293. Boothbay Harbor, ME 04538 or to the Lincoln County Animal Shelter, 27 Atlantic Highway, Edgecomb, ME 04556.
The family wishes to thank Lincoln County Hospice for their help and support during the last two months of Glady’s life.