Mary Elizabeth Pracht

Mary Elizabeth Pracht, 77, of West Lafayette, died at 12 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20, 2009, at her residence.
She was born Sept. 7, 1932, in Williamsville, Mo., to the late John and Ethel Mathis Lee. She attended elementary and high school in Williamsville in Wayne County Missouri. She attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Giradeau and St. Luke&s School of Nursing in St. Louis, receiving her registered nurse license in 1954.
On Aug. 17, 1957, she married Richard M. Pracht in St. Louis, and he survives.
Mrs. Pracht worked at St. Luke&s Hospital in St. Louis and later worked part time at Hackensack Hospital in Hackensack, N.J. After moving to this area, she worked at Home and St. ELizabeth hospitals.
She was a member of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, and a charter member of the Presidents Council at Southeast Missouri State University.
Mrs. Pracht was active in many volunteer activities to help the elderly and underprivileged and was especially involved in gardening and gathering fresh produce for St. Ann Soup Kitchen, Food Finders and others, as well as assisting with holiday dinner preparation at the kitchen. She enjoyed shopping and traveling, especially short day trips from home.
Surviving with her husband are three sons, Christopher Pracht of Lafayette, Phil Pracht of Frankfort and John Pracht of Evansville; and two brothers John Karl Lee of Memphis, Tenn., and Robert Lee of Fayette, Mo.
Also surviving are 4 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She never met a stranger and she loved to observe and interact with anyone who was willing to reciprocate.
Visitation is 5-8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 23, 2009, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd., Lafayette, with rosary service at 4:30 p.m. Funeral mass 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 24, 2009, at St. Lawrence Catholic Church with Fr. Daniel Gartland officiating. Burial at St. Boniface Cemetery. In lieu of flowers those wishing may contribute to St. Ann Soup Kitchen or St. Lawrence Jubilee Christmas.

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