01/26/2026
Linda S. Pratt
In Devoted MemoryLinda S. PrattDecember 31, 1953 - January 25, 2026Linda Sawyer Pratt, 72, of Clarksburg, Maryland passed away peacefully on January 25, 2026. She wasa devoted mother and cherished member of the community. Linda is survived by her daughter,Melissa Pratt-Zossoungbo and her spouse, Gaston Zossoungbo; her son, Jason Pratt and his spouseErin Pratt; and her beloved granddaughters, Ella Kate Pratt (Jason), Coralyn Zossoungbo and BéatriceZossoungbo (Melissa). Linda is preceded in death by her husband, Robert “Bob” J. Pratt; her brother,Scott Sawyer; and her parents Ralph and Barbara (Davis) Sawyer.Linda was born on December 31, 1953, and raised in Wellesley, Massachusetts, before attendingGordon College where she earned a degree in psychology. More importantly, Gordon is where shemet her husband of 43 years, on the first day of freshman orientation. Bob and Linda were an inseparable pair through theiryears living in Holliston, MA, then moving to Maitland, FL, back to Holliston, and finally settling in Huntsville, Alabama. UponBob’s passing, Linda relocated to Clarksburg, spending her final years with her daughter and family.Linda was a huge animal lover and a self-proclaimed cat person - until a stray dog would find its way to the house, and then shequickly became a dog person, too. She never really warmed up to the hermit crabs, but looked after them nonetheless. Lindaenthusiastically kept the bird feeders full, made fresh hummingbird nectar every year as soon as spring rolled in, and lovedwatching the chipmunks scurry around the yard. She was an avid gardener, seemingly knowing the names to each and everyplant, and cultivated a beautiful yard wherever she lived.Linda never came across a crossword puzzle she couldn't complete nor a sudoku she couldn't solve, and could beat the pants offeveryone - except maybe her own mom - at Wheel of Fortune. She was the go-to person when you needed a paper edited, or toask how to spell something correctly, especially Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg, a lake in MAfamous for having the longest water body name in the world. Linda was incredibly neat and organized, a trait that was absolutelynot inherited by her children, but very appreciated by them when calling to ask about a recipe, an address, or other tidbit ofinformation she had filed away.Linda was a phenomenal mom, always willing to try something new for the sake of her kids. She did not love camping - in fact shedespised it - but went every year because they loved it. From cooking a turkey in a pit, capsizing canoes, almost sinking in a boat,and trying to ignore the bat in the bathroom, she remained a good sport through it all. She sewed matching clothes for dolls,created original and crazy halloween costumes, and anything else that was requested. She even indulged road trips off thebeaten path to stay in a haunted hotel or to try an interesting restaurant. Linda was always there to offer a kind word orsuggestion, to help when needed, and relay the weather forecast for the next day. She was a gentle soul, with a sarcastic wit thatwas unexpected and surprising if you didn’t know her very well. She loved her family and pets, traveling, making lists, singing inthe choir, sipping a big glass of wine, and kicking off her shoes under the coffee table to watch a Lifetime movie.Linda spent her twilight years as a resident of Winter's Growth and Marge's Memory Care in Olney, MD, where she was treatedlike family by a caring and wonderful staff, and will be truly missed by all. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations tohelp others experience the joy and purpose that is at the heart of their program, https://www.wintergrowthinc.org/donate/, oryou may elect to provide donations to the Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.charityproud.org. Both are welcomeand generous options, and will help to support programs that were near and dear to Linda’s heart.
Care entrusted to Beltway Cremation Center124 E Diamond AveGaithersburg, MD 20877240-246-0400www.BeltwayCremationCenter.com
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