Brenda Cooke Pratt

BRENDA COOKE PRATT March 8, 1924 ~ February 14, 2007 Brenda Cooke Pratt lived most of her life on islands. On March 8th 1924, Brenda was born in Honolulu to Theodore Atherton and Muriel Howatt Cooke, joining her three older sisters, Elizabeth (Beba), Mary, and Catherine (Cappy). She was a fourth generation Kama`aina, with missionary ancestors on both sides of her family. She attended Hanahau'oli and Punahou schools in Honolulu and graduated from Barnard in New York, where she focused on Asian studies. Brenda married J. Scott B. Pratt III in 1949, and while living in Kaneohe she had two sons, Thane and Boyd. After moving up Tantalus in the hills above Honolulu, they later lived in an apartment at the foot of Diamond Head. Brenda wrote extensively, including a manuscript on Hawaiian archaeology for children. A life-long lover of dogs, she was an active member of the Hawaiian Humane Society. Brenda was born with a keen sense of humor, and was always an avid reader, writer, and lover of books. In her thirties and forties, Brenda gradually lost her sight to a genetic condition, but retained her incredible visual memory and orientation. She developed many skills that allowed her to live independently until her death. In 1964, Scott and Brenda bought property on San Juan Island, Washington State. After spending many summers there, they moved to the island full time in 1975 and lived there for the rest of their lives. Brenda was active with the San Juan Historical Museum, serving on the Board and as President. She also continued her writing even after becoming blind, producing articles about local history. Brenda is survived by her sons Thane and Boyd; daughters-in-law Linda and Lovel; and grandchildren Robert, Gemma, Theo, and Elwyn; as well as nephews, nieces and a host of cousins. She is dearly missed. Contributions may be made to the Honolulu Academy of Arts.