Nancy Pratt

Nancy Louise Pratt

Nancy Pratt passed away Sunday evening, November 9, 2025, with family nearby, in the memory care unit at Morada of Albuquerque. Her beloved niece, Heather Pratt-Chavez, diligently and lovingly oversaw her care.

She was born on March 27, 1945, to Dorothy and Orville Pratt in Los Angeles, CA where she was raised with three brothers: Orville, Gary, and Phillip.

Her family moved to Albuquerque in 1952. She graduated from Sandia HS in 1962.

Nancy's life followed a very self-reliant path. She graduated from ASU, worked for Lockheed Martin for years, and then went to work for Northrup Grumman until she retired and moved to Albuquerque to be near family.

Nancy's passion was her love of animals. She was a docent at the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium in San Pedro, CA before moving to Albuquerque where, until recently she was a zoo docent for 25 years. At the Biopark, she was deeply engaged in attending to the elephants including watching over them when they gave birth. She had special relationships with a porcupine and a serval wild cat, and she also led the zoo's llamas for walks. She enjoyed meeting school groups and other zoo patrons, and answering their questions. She recently held a boa constrictor at Morada.

Nancy's dogs were a big part of her life as well. She had Dalmatians (which the fire department took on rides in the fire truck), followed by Cocker Spaniels, then to Beagles. She became known in her Mary Fox Park neighborhood for her Beagles, Micky and Leroy. Leroy was a rescue from medical research where he had never been outside or walked on grass. He required a great deal of patient care which she willingly gave him. Her last dog, who now lives with Orville and Judy, is a rescue Besenji named Buddy. She picked him out at the Pound, and he is a winner.

Nancy was a talented weaver. She entered her stunningly beautiful scarves in many arts and craft shows over the years. Her creations are prized possessions.

She will be missed by her family. Heather's husband is Ben Chavez; their children are Ben and Sofia Chavez. Nancy's other beloved niece, Emily Fisher, lives in Houston; she and her husband, Charles are parents of Lucy and Charlie Fisher. Other relatives include her brother, Orville Pratt and wife, Judy Pratt, parents of Heather and Emily and Elizabeth Thomas of Seattle. Nancy's younger brother is Phillip Pratt of Amagansett, NY. He and his wife, India, are parents of Joshua, Michael, and Ethan Pratt. Her other brother and wife are Gary and Marti Pratt of Denver, CO; children, Jenna and Bryan.

Gratitude is extended to Morada ABQ and to Compassis Hospice for your care and support.

A memorial will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Nancy's name can be made to: the NM Biopark Society.

NM Biopark Society

903 10th St. SW

Albuquerque, NM 87102

Oh, and Nancy! Your apple pie was sorely missed at Thanksgiving this year.