Phyllis Marie Pratt

Phyllis M. Pratt

New Port Richey, FL / Dundee, NY: Phyllis Marie Pratt, age 84, beloved wife of Thomas Pratt, Sr., of New Port Richey, Florida (formerly of Dundee, New York), passed away in The Villages of Florida surrounded by her loving family on Monday, March 16, 2026.

Born on June 27, 1941 in Dresden, NY, to the late Harry and Leah (Petticrew) Irwin, Phyllis lived each day with a rich appreciation for the beauty in the world around her. She loved her geraniums and grew all kinds of vegetables with her green thumb.

A woman of strong faith, she married Tom in St. Michael’s Church in Penn Yan, NY at the age of 18, eager to start a life together. They remained inseparable for nearly 67 years of marriage along with raising five children. She worked several years at Seneca Foods and helped launch the family business Tom Pratt Automotive in 1987.

Her home was a bustling hub filled with the warmth of music, dancing, and her infectious laughter. She loved the water, swimming in her pool and watching sunsets at the beach. Those who knew her will remember her compassion, strength, and vibrant spirit that made her a true matriarch and rock of her family.

One of Phyllis’s greatest joys was cooking. Comfort was always found in the kitchen surrounded by the smells and tastes of her signature dishes and baked goods, passing these traditions down to her children and grandchildren she so loved. She could make a delicious meal from only a few ingredients and always made extra for whoever dropped by.

Her legacy will live on through the generations of family members who were at the center of her life; children Thomas (Suzanne) Pratt, Jr., Tammy (Alfred, Jr.) Claflin, Margaret (John) Socha, Peter Pratt, Joseph Pratt, and honorary son of the Pratt family Jacek (Angela) Knop; 14 beloved grandchildren and 7 adored great grandchildren.

She also held a special place in the lives of members of the Tom Pratt Automotive family, often serving as a loving surrogate mother to Steve Brace, Sr., John Cornish, Glen Litchfield, and Karl Weichenthal.

In addition to her five children, she is survived by three sisters Dorothy Sheldon, Hilda Santee, and Mary (Ron) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Sharon Viscardi, Judy Pratt, Sheila (Roger) Bassett, Jody Edmister, and Bridget (Don) Walsh. She was predeceased by one sister, Helen Wood, and her seven brothers Charles, Stillman, Clifford, Lawrence, Donald, Robert, and Ernest Irwin.

A celebration of life will be held in Dundee, NY, in late spring, when the flowers she so cherished are in bloom.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dundee Fire Company, 12 Union St., Dundee, NY 14837.

The Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee is assisting the family. Online condolences can be sent by visiting www.bairdfuneralhomedundee.com.