Marion Louise Pratsch

Marion L. Carrato Pratsch, age 91, of Ferndale passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2016.  Marion began life in Seattle, WA on January 29, 1925 born to Captain Ludwig and Aagot Jacobson, both immigrants from Norway.  She liked to say she was “Made in America with Norwegian parts”.  Marion was raised in Bothell, WA, and was a talented baton twirling drum majorette for and graduate of Bothell High School in 1943, and then worked in Seattle for a time as a stenographer. 

She lived an interesting and varied life:  married to Thomas Carrato from June, 1945 to May, 1970, and to Wilmer Pratsch from May, 1972 to November, 1992, followed by a long term relationship with Charles Strandquist from July, 1993 to August, 2012.  She lived in Washington, California, Illinois and Colorado over the years.  For many years, Marion remained at home raising her family as a homemaker extraordinaire. She was a tremendous cook, seamstress and a creative, talented crafts maker.  She taught her children by example keeping a meticulous house.  One might say she “ran a tight ship”, which is ironically in keeping with her father being an Alaskan Steamship Captain. She served as a den mother for Cub Scouts, a Blue Bird leader, taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  No matter where in the country she lived, Marion always stayed in touch with loved ones, whether by visits, phone calls or thoughtful written notes and letters.

While in Illinois she returned to the workforce as a Secretary with Scott Foreman Publishing Co. In Colorado Marion worked at Hallmark and at Colorado National Bank, starting as a teller and then was selected as Director of the CNB’s Prime Time Club, a new department catering to senior citizens with a variety of offerings such as travel excursions, fashion shows, sports events, banquets, monthly newsletters and, of course, banking services.  She thrived and excelled in this position, and was repeatedly recognized for event planning, management and people skills, retiring after 10 years. 

Marion enjoyed traveling, theater, concerts, reading, solving crossword puzzles, sewing, knitting and crocheting. She was a woman of faith and lived her life with kindness, integrity and courage.  She dearly loved her family and many friends and will be greatly missed.

Marion was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Connie.  She is survived by her three children, Tom Carrato (wife Melody), Laura Lucas (husband Michael) and John Carrato (wife Karen), two granddaughters, Jodi Greene (husband Brent) and Kate Carrato, five grandsons, Nick Carrato (wife LeAnn), Chris Carrato (wife Bo), Brian Carrato (wife Chelsea), Jay Lucas and Tommy Carrato (wife Jenny), and twelve great grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 17, 2016 at Faith Lutheran Church, 2750 McLeod Rd., Bellingham, WA 98226, followed by a graveside service at Enterprise Cemetery, 7041 Vista Drive, Ferndale, WA 98248, with Pastor Sharon B. Swanson officiating. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Sig’s Funeral Services.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Whatcom Hospice Foundation, 2800 Douglas AV, Bellingham, WA 98225.