Ethel Trop Pratt

Ethel Trop was born March 27, 1928, in Albany, New York, to Joseph and Rose (Asch) Trop. She was the fourth of five children, and the only girl. Much of her childhood was shaped by the Great Depression, and then later, by World War II.

Ethel graduated as an honor student from Philip Schuyler High School in 1946, winning the Graduating Essay Prize. While in high school, she maintained regular correspondence with two of her older brothers who were serving the country during the War.

Ethel went on to attend New York State College for Teachers, graduating in 1950. Her first job upon graduating was as a stenographer with the State of New York Department of Law. After receiving her New York State Teacher’s Certificate in 1951, she began her career in New York State Public Schools.

It was later that year when she met Donald Cameron Pratt, a fellow teacher at Cincinnatus Central School, and a former naval aviator during the War. Their first date was to see the movie ‘Destination Moon,’ and share chocolate ice cream afterwards. They were married August 23, 1952 in the Methodist Church in Parish, NY, where Don’s mother Isabel resided.

Soon after starting her teaching career and her marriage, Ethel earned her Master of Science in Education from Syracuse University in 1954. Stephen was born in 1956 and Nancy in 1960. Their family life began in Mahopac, New York, in a wonderful neighborhood full of other young families where they built lifelong friendships. Life was full and busy. When the kids were still young, they moved to Huntington, NY. Summer camping trips took the Pratts to many beautiful places, including several National Parks across the country.

Ethel was passionate about many things. She took great pride in the homes she shared with Don – in Cincinnatus, Mahopac, and Huntington, NY; and Chapel Hill, NC - and took impeccable care of them. She loved beautiful fabrics and furnishings of early American design. Their homes were filled with solid oak, maple and cherry furniture crafted by Don in his home workshop. Her artistic talent led to many needlepoint and knitting projects, including wall art, throw blankets and Christmas stockings for family members.

After retiring from teaching in 1983, Ethel and Don moved from New York State to Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They were fortunate to enjoy extensive worldwide travel during this time, including many Elderhostel and Evergreen programs. A lifelong volunteer, Ethel gave her time to many different organizations including Planned Parenthood, Ronald McDonald House and Habitat for Humanity.

In 2006, Ethel and Don relocated again to Washington State, to be near their daughter and her family. They enjoyed watching their youngest granddaughter grow up together until Don passed away in 2014. After losing Don, Ethel continued to stay busy with current events, cultural activities and family gatherings. A lifelong reader, Ethel would run through one or two books each week in her later years. Her favorite was ‘Ethan Frome’ by Edith Wharton.

Ethel is survived by her two children: Stephen (and wife Nancy) Pratt of Holly Springs, North Carolina and Nancy (and husband Paul) Hawkes of Lynnwood, Washington. She leaves four strong and beautiful granddaughters: Jaime, Lauren, Lindsay and Isabel, four lovely great-grandchildren: Madison, Alexander, Annette and Layla, and several nieces and nephews.

Ethel had a vast collection of many-colored scarves which have now been re-homed among family and friends all over the country and the world.

A memorial celebration will be held at The Ballard Landmark in Seattle on May 16, 2026 at 3:00pm and interment at Arlington National Cemetery will be scheduled at a later date.

Remembrances may be made as donations to The Nature Conservancy (www.nature.org) or any nature conservation organization of your choice.

Sincere thanks to the staff of the Ballard Landmark who provided her with expert care and enriching friendship in her last eight years. She was a teacher until the end and always had advice on how we can all ‘do better.’