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BORN
1956
DIED
2025
Susan Pratt Obituary
Shelburne Falls, MA - Susan A. Pratt, age 69, died at home on May 22, 2025. Born on February 29, 1956, Sue was leap years ahead of most of the world in her wisdom, spirit, curiosity, compassion, and passion for serving elders and their caregivers.
Sue grew up in Cushman, a village of Amherst, Massachusetts, the daughter of Clayton and Marie Pratt, the second-to-youngest of six siblings. In high school, Sue worked in rest homes as an aide and later as an art therapist, beginning a lifetime of eldercare service. She managed home health agencies before starting Collective Home Care and founding the nonprofit Tripp Memorial Community Care Collaborative. She trained certified nursing assistants and home health aides, partnering with Greenfield Community College for over a decade. The holistic curriculum she developed guided hundreds of CNAs, whose skills and compassion have supported the health and lives of elders for more than 30 years.
In 2018, Sue and the Care Collaborative established the Giving Circle Thrift Shop in South Deerfield to help finance the nonprofit's mission to improve the visibility, availability, and quality of community elder care. Sue loved the community that the shop created–a true circle of care and giving. ln 2024, she coordinated a respite program, months before learning of her own illness and need for a circle of care.
Always with a smile and positive words of encouragement, Sue never hesitated to unconditionally give away anything she had, while giving a voice to those who need it the most. Rooted in love, light, and sacred regard, Sue saw potential and value in all she met. Her vision is now our legacy.
Sue leaves behind her daughter, Rebecca Pratt-Tobin and twin grandsons Logan K. and Dillon J. Millar, her sister Janet Sullivan, her extended family the Rickers, and scores of friends in the caregiving community and beyond. A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, June 28, at 1pm at the New England Peace Pagoda, 100 Cave Hill Road, Leverett, with a potluck to follow. Contributions for expenses incurred by Sue's death may be made to Janet Sullivan, 161-A Montague City Road, Greenfield, MA 01301.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Susan Pratt
Teri Bothwell
June 28, 2025
The celebration of life for Sue today @ the Peace Pagoda in Leverett was absolutely beautiful.
The music and sermon where Sue. I really felt her presence. Thank you to all who where a part of that celebration. Yes! She will be missed! And I feel each one of us has a special memory that will be treasured forever .
Phyllis and Chad Thompson
June 28, 2025
My sincere condolences to Sue´s family! May she rest in peace and have eternal life!
Phyllis and Chad Thompson, Care Collaborative Supporters
Katrina Wheeler
June 23, 2025
She was one of the most special people I have ever met. She left everyone that she touched paths with, better than when she found them. Her loss will be felt forever by everyone that had the privilege of knowing her. Peace and love to her family.
Katrina Wheeler
June 23, 2025
I worked for Sue teaching courses for the CNA program. She was an inspiration and joy to work for and call my friend. What a loss to the world.....I have never met a stronger, more passionate woman in my life. One of my most treasured mentors. Peace and love to her family. Sue will always hold a special place in my heart.
Teri Bothwell
June 20, 2025
WOW!
I can't believe she is gone!! Sad? YES!
Honored? YES!
She was a true worrier!
Fighting for not just us aides but the clients too!
Believing that EVERYONE deserved a chance.
There is a huge void in the home care system now that she is no longer here.
And I believe she's up there with the angels, on a VERY special cloud made just for her, watching over all of us.
Does that make it easier?
HECK NO!
To her family and close friends: I send you all peace and love.
A true heavy loss.
Know that she touched our lives in so many ways.
Lorien Clarke
June 20, 2025
Sue was my aunt, I lived with her for a few months with my son and his father when we were in need. She was good to us. And a lot of other people.
Sandi schempp
June 20, 2025
Susie was my first cousin and was one of my first childhood friends. Her family lived across the railroad tracks from our grandparents. So we got to see each other often. She was always kind. I´m glad she made such a mark in this world.
Megan B.
June 19, 2025
I met Sue through the thrift store and she was always so upbeat, compassionate and had such a generous heart. I always enjoyed our chats about her mission, her trips to Plum Island and her family. The world has lost a wonderful soul. My deepest condolences to all of her family and loved ones. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Cheryl Carey
June 19, 2025
I was sorry to learn of Sue´s passing. I went to Amherst High school with her. Sending prayers and sympathy to her family.
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