It is with deep sadness, that the family of Jean Pratt announces her passing away on Monday, July 23, 2007, at the Brooks Hospital, at the age of 74 years. Eugenia (Jean) Niznowski was born September 10, 1932, in the Rossburn Municipality of Manitoba, to Mike and Cora Niznowski. Jean left home in her early teens and went to Brandon, Manitoba, where she found work in a restaurant/grocery store there. In 1950, she moved to Drumheller, Alberta, again finding work in a local restaurant. She later married and had 2 sons, Mark in 1952, and Martin in 1954. After the marriage ended, Jean hired on as a cook at Graham’s Ranch in East Coulee, south of Drumheller, where she met Ed Pratt, who was also working on the ranch at the time. They fell in love and were married December 25, 1959, and soon thereafter, moved to the Rosemary area, first working on the Rosemary Community Lease for a number of years, then on other farms in the area, including the Herb Dixon farm. In 1965, they moved to the Brooks area, working at various jobs. Later, Ed started working for the County of Newell, and Jean helped manage the Stedman’s Store, then later, worked in the kitchen of the Crystal Café as a short order cook and baker. Recently, Jean’s illness and declining health made it necessary for her and her husband to move to the Newbrook Lodge, only being there for a few weeks before Jean passed away. Jean was a kind and loving person, known for her warm hospitality, generosity, hard work, and self-sacrificing spirit. She loved sharing Bible truths with others, and devoted much time to doing that. She was a wonderful cook, and delighted in seeing others enjoy the dishes she made. She was an avid gardener, with a love of the outdoors, growing beautiful flowers that were the envy of all. Jean had a big heart, and as a result, she had many close and loving friends. She is survived by her beloved husband Ed, of 48 years, sons, Mark and Martin Clint, grandchildren, Kevin, Donna, Shawn, and Sheldon, great-grandchildren, Zalin, Rhys, and Kaycie, as well as Jean’s twin sisters, Tina and Ann, and 2 brothers, Frank and Peter, and numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was a very special person, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. A Memorial Service was held for her at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, 2007, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1307 Centre Street, Brooks, Alberta, with Gino Doucet officiating. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME. Telephone 362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652.
