Ester G Pratt's Obituary
Ester Gustavsson Pratt was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on July 22, 1943. She lived a life devoted to learning, service, faith, and family, touching countless lives through her compassion, wisdom, and love.
Ester earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Simmons College in 1988, a Master of Arts in Counseling from Boston College in 1990, and a Doctor of Education from Nova Southeastern University in 1994. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she began her career in private practice in Cohasset, Massachusetts. After moving with her beloved husband to Northern Vermont, she built a highly respected and successful practice in Montgomery, serving individuals and families throughout Montgomery and Franklin County, as well as patients from Canada.
Deeply committed to education and community service, Ester gave frequent presentations to community organizations on topics including self-esteem, stress management, and emotional well-being. Her greatest professional passion was hospice care, where she devoted herself to supporting patients and families during life’s most tender moments. When needed, Ester brought hospice patients into her and Stuart’s home for their final weeks. Along with her longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Kathleen Mondanaro, Ester shared this work internationally, presenting on hospice care to the staff of the Salvation Army Hospital in Cochabamba, Bolivia. She also volunteered for the Red Cross for many weeks in New Orleans and Houston after Hurricane Katrina.
Ester also served as an adjunct professor at the Community College of Vermont. Even after retiring from private practice and returning to Massachusetts, she continued teaching at CCV’s Brattleboro, Vermont site, where she taught for many years.
A lifelong learner, Ester embraced new challenges with joy and courage. At the age of 70, she began harp lessons to fulfill a lifelong dream of learning to play an instrument—a reflection of her belief that growth and discovery never end.
Ester is survived by her husband, the love of her life and best friend Stuart Pratt; her devoted children, Disa Pratt, Cindy Gonzalez, and Gustave Pratt; her cherished grandchildren, Kyle Pratt, Kirsten Pratt, Malachi Roman, Tim Cambiano and Hannah Gonzalez; and her beloved great-grandchildren, Jane Colangelo, Isabella Roman, and Isaiah Roman. She is also survived by her brother in law and sister in law in Cohasset – Jeff and Lisa Pratt and their daughters Logan, Madison and Halle. Her dear family friends Mike and Sally Renaud, Daniel Lucey and Linda Boris were also by her side supporting Ester and the family in her final days. She was especially grateful to the amazing team at Accent Care Hospice for their incredible care in her final months.
Above all, Ester loved life, treasured time with her family and friends, and lived her life with grace, humility and dignity. Her legacy is one of compassion, service, and deep love.
The family will be celebrating her life in a private service, and in lieu of flowers please consider donating to your local hospice organization.
What’s your fondest memory of Ester?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ester?
Share a story where Ester's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ester you’ll never forget.
How did Ester make you smile?