Joan Catharine Pratt, of Honolulu, Hawaii passed away on February 22, 2022 at Arcadia Retirement Residence, Honolulu at the age of 92. She was born in Honolulu on September 9, 1929, the second of four children of Charles Dudley Pratt and Dora Marion Broadbent Pratt. Her education began at Hanahauoli School, followed by Punahou, graduating from there in 1947. She earned an Associate Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Middlebury College and a Masters in Hygiene and Physical Education at Wellesley College. She then taught Physical Education in Massachusetts and California before returning to Punahou to teach in 1957 where she taught and coached for thirty years. As a result, anywhere she went, frequently someone would recognize her and say "Miss Pratt! I was in your P.E. class at Punahou!"
Joan was known for her deep love of family, community, and the outdoors. She travelled extensively, especially during summers between teaching semesters at Punahou. Europe was explored behind the wheel of a 1973 orange VW camper purchased in Germany and dubbed the "Grosse Pumpkin". Yosemite National Park was another favorite, with nearly every summer of travel concluding with a camping trip to Tuolumne Meadows with friends. She visited and hiked throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but her favorite place of respite was the family cabin in Koke'e, Kauai built by her grandfather in 1925. From there she would gather with friends and family for day after day of driving the dirt roads to explore, bird watch, hike to spectacular viewpoints (always with a picnic lunch) and enjoy the peace and quiet of the forests. Joan's volunteer archeological work with Bishop Museum took her to more remote areas of the islands as well as to Huahine multiple times with Dr. Yosohito "Yoshi" Sinoto.
Joan cherished these islands and took every opportunity to enjoy Hawaiian music and hula whether at family gatherings, a live show or on TV. She studied ukulele for many years and took classes at Kapiolani Park.
Athletics played an integral part of Joan's life. She closely followed both high school and collegiate sports and was devoted to the University of Hawaii Men's and Women's volleyball programs, attending as many games as she could year after year with season tickets that she would share with friends and family.
Our Joan lived a remarkable life full of compassion, intention, and commitment. She had a deep love for her family with a broad knowledge of her ancestry and could be counted on as a primary resource for genealogy as well as all special dates such as birthdays, anniversaries, and graduations. She was meticulous and straightforward, balancing this with a terrific sense of humor and unlimited sense of adventure. She maintained steadfast support for her island community, especially for causes which helped further education, history, heritage, and preservation of nature. Her presence in all our lives will be remembered and treasured for years to come.
Joan is survived by her brother David W. (Carol J.) Pratt, two nieces, four nephews, four grandnieces and four grand nephews. A private ceremony for family will be held at Oahu Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Hui O Laka / Koke'e Museum, Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, the Hawaiian Mission Houses, or the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum.
Arrangements Provided By: Oahu Mortuary
