Obituary of Marjorie Pratt

Marjorie "Marge" J. Pratt, 72, of Hutchinson Island, Jensen Beach, Florida

traveled peacefully over 'The Rainbow Bridge' Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 after many years of battling cancer. Born in Dorchester, MA she moved to Hutchinson Island after traveling from Boston on the inter-coastal by boat.

After earning her GED at age 40, she attended Northeastern University,

Merrimack Collage, and Antioch University. Earning an Associates degree in Human Services, Bachelors degree in Social Work and a Master's degree in Education.

A photographer, writer, antique boat restorer, and lover of greyhounds; to say she wore many hats is an understatement.

Past President of the Treasure Coast National League of Pen Woman's and a member of the Martin County Writers Association. Freelance writing for maritime & boating publications as well as The Stuart News.

She fell in love with old wooden boats while living in Wolfeboro on Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. This love/obsession lead her to Boston where she became the cofounder of the now 25 year old Boston Antique & Classic Boat Festival. She founded the annual Classic Boat gathering along the Treasure Coast and started the first maritime museum collection here in Stuart. She has adopted, restored and lived aboard many classic vessels both power and sail. She has judged classic and antique vessels at venues from the prestigious Wooden Boat Show, Mystic Seaport, Connecticut, The Boston Antique & Classic Boat Festival to the exclusive Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo, Florida. An additional thrill for Marge was judging vessels with masters of the boating world including; Waldo Howland, Halsey Herreshoff, Llewellyn Howland III, Emil Rybovich, Tom Fexas, Jack Hargrave Olin Stephens, Russell Post, and 'Curt' Whiticar to name a few.

Marge said "Some of my happiest recollections are times spent aboard venerable vessels lovingly restored. I have loved bringing classic water craft together for the public to see and enjoy."

Marjorie's love of boats was the perfect companion for her years at The Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship where she was the Maritime Museum and Library Curator. As Curator, Marge brought numerous well-known boat builders, authors, and speakers to her wildly popular "Tiki Talks" held at the Chapman Library during the winter season. Marge's unsinkable enthusiasm and zest for life will surely be missed.

Marge was also an avid animal lover. She worked with the Humane Society's education programs, active with Greyhound Adoption Groups finding loving homes for greyhounds whose racing lives are over. Additionally to call attention to the cruelty of the racing industry. Ocean Breeze Animal Hospital houses the Marjorie Pratt Canine Blood Bank which is one of only three in the country.

Over the years Marjorie had rescued many retired racing greyhounds, some of which became certified Therapy Dogs making hospital, nursing home and school visits, she also made a home for numerous abandoned cats.

Be it through boats or dogs, Marge has touched countless lives on the Treasure Coast and far beyond.

Marge is survived by her son, Bradford L. Jackson of Stuart, daughters, Valerie J. Young-Baldwin of Port St. Lucie and Kimberly J. Pratt of Jensen Beach, and granddaughter Michelle A. McCallister.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Marjorie's name to your favorite charity.

A Celebration of Marge will be held on November 22nd, 2008 at 10am at the Charles F. Chapman School of Seamanship located at 4343 SE St. Lucie Blvd, Stuart, FL 772-283-8130.