Judith Pratt (Judy)
Judy passed away in the comfort of her home in Goleta, Ca on August 31st, 2023 at the age of 83, several years after a terminal cancer diagnosis. Through her strong Christian faith, she remained positive and peaceful up until the end. She spent her final months surrounded by love from her children Kathy Surcouf (Andre) and Steve Pratt as well as her grandchildren Michelle Carroll (Blake), Alex Surcouf (Kaitlin) and Patrick Surcouf (Lauren), great grandchildren, Hewitt, Yvonne and Brooks Carroll, and sister Diane Dow (Bob).
Born in Clinton, Iowa July 13th, 1940, Judy and her sister Diane moved with their parents to Anchorage, Alaska when it was still a territory in 1946. Her childhood was filled with Alaskan adventures: fishing, camping, and exploring the wilderness with her beloved sister and their many cousins who also settled in the new frontier.
Judy began working as a dental assistant during high school for one of Alaska’s first dentists, Dr. Glenn Pratt. They married in 1958 and were blessed with 59 years of marriage before Glenn’s passing in 2017. For years Judy entertained her friends with stories about their honeymoon, the best of which involved a fishing trip to a rustic cabin and an outhouse. They made their home together in Anchorage with their three children Kathy, Steve, and Diane (who passed away in 2009).
In 1972, Judy and Glenn discovered the beautiful California winter climate and moved their family to Santa Barbara. They continued to spend the next 25 summers enjoying their lake front log home in Alaska that Glenn built. They passed on their love of Alaska to their children and grandchildren as they spent summers at the lake, fishing, flying into remote spots in Glenn’s float plane, and laughing around the campfire.
In later years, Judy became a fulltime resident of Santa Barbara where she enjoyed volunteering at her church, tending her beautiful garden, exploring new restaurants, and hosting gatherings around her firepit. Many knew Judy and her dog Cubby from their daily walks at Haskell’s Beach where she amassed an enviable collection of sea glass and ocean treasures.
The simplest pleasures brought great joy to Judy. She particularly looked forward to all the many family visits. She was so very proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and always delighted in their daily news and accomplishments.
Her family wishes to thank Dr. Robert Wright and Dr. Daniel Greenwald whose compassion and hands-on, personal care was instrumental in giving Judy more time. They are also grateful to the angels who provided care and comfort from VNA hospice as well as private caregivers.
Judy will be forever in our hearts…we will see her a little further up the creek. A family memorial is planned for November 18th in Goleta.