Obituary of Hilda Pratt

November 28, 1930 – Benito, Manitoba

December 25, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Hilda Mae Pratt, beloved wife of the late Lawrence Harold Pratt, who passed away suddenly on Christmas morning, at the age of 94 years. Hilda was active and independent, living in her own home and driving until just a month ago. Her vibrant spirit and love of life left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Born on a farm in Benito, MB, on November 28, 1930, to Axel and Signe Lokke. Hilda was one of six siblings, Alfred, Sylvia, Rudy, Martha, and Florence, all of whom have predeceased her. As a young woman, she moved to the Northwest Territories to save for her dream trip to Norway, her father’s birthplace. That journey, made in 1956, was the first of many as she built lasting bonds with relatives. Many traveled to Canada over the years to visit her and her family.

While in Norman Wells, NWT, Hilda met her future husband, Larry, and they married in Edmonton, AB, on September 7, 1957. Together, they raised three children—Cathy, Deanna, and John—in Calgary’s Brentwood neighbourhood. Hilda balanced her roles as a devoted wife and mother with a fulfilling career as a secretary with the Calgary Board of Education, where her kindness and dedication left a lasting impression. She worked in several schools, including Senator Patrick Burns and Ranchlands Community School. In addition to her career, Hilda’s creativity shone through her painting, sketching, and wood carving. She also pursued massage therapy later in life.

After Larry’s passing in 1996, Hilda continued to build a rich life in Dreamview Village, a 55+ community in Edgemont, where she was the sole original resident. Her warmth, humility, and compassion endeared her to many, and her friendships spanned generations. Younger friends often referred to her lovingly as “Mum,” a testament to her nurturing spirit.

Hilda was deeply devoted to her family, her friends, and her faith. Truly, the scripture from Proverbs 31:10-31 about a godly wife and mother is her legacy: "Her children stand and bless her."

Her grandchildren remember her as a source of joy and light, with her eldest grandchild reflecting: “Today we say goodbye to an extraordinary grandmother, warm, vibrant, and endlessly kind. She brought our family together with her humour, generosity, and love of life. Her laugh was infectious, filling every room with joy, and leaving a lasting impression on all who heard it.”

Hilda’s love of games, including crosswords, Wordle, and Scrabble, brought her family together. In later years, she developed a passion for sports, especially the Flames and Blue Jays.

Hilda is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish her memory and the legacy of love she leaves behind.

A viewing will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street N, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m. with a Memorial Service to follow at 2:30 p.m. An informal visiting period will follow until 4:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held later in the year.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Pratt’s service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Hilda’s family here.

In living memory of Hilda Pratt, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 Centre Street North, Calgary, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-276-2296.

Click to Sign the Video Guest Book & Watch Hilda Pratt's Service