AUBURN — Jane Pratt, 96, of Summer St., Auburn, died unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday, Nov. 29. She was born in Auburn on Nov. 20, 1921, the daughter of James A. and Minnie O. (Martin) Pratt. She was educated in Auburn, graduated from Edward Little High School in the Class of 1939, and went on to graduate from Richard’s School of Gregg Shorthand in 1941. Miss Pratt began her career at Cobb Winslow Insurance Agency in 1942. In 1950, she accepted employment at the Maine Department of Human Services where she remained until retiring as clerical supervisor in 1986.

Jane was a lifelong member of the Court Street Baptist Church. She was a long-term member of and supported the YWCA of Central Maine, the Androscoggin Humane Society, the Auburn Public Library, and the Maine State Employees Association. Jane had an abiding love for all animals, including the squirrels she fed with the birds at her window feeder, but was especially drawn to dogs. She had many in her long life, but her beloved Beemer (with whom she is pictured), Abby, Blue and Maggie were her treasured “doggies.”

Jane never married but enjoyed the long-term companionship of Everett Wakefield. Miss Pratt, her father James (“Daddy”), and her friends enjoyed annual excursions to Rangeley and Boothbay Harbor. She also traveled in Europe in her younger years. Jane loved football, the Patriots in particular, skiing at “The Valley” and swimming. She swam in her pool daily, often into October. When it became too cold for outdoor swimming, she would attend the YWCA. The YWCA was important to Jane as an organization, but she also treasured those she met there, many of whom became lifelong friends. She also enjoyed hosting outdoor summer parties, playing Skip-Bo with her friends, and exercising on stationary bike as well as walking.

Jane was born on Summer Street, and it gave her great joy and contentment to have lived there for all of her years. She combined in a remarkable way the style of a grand lady with an enduring girlish charm. Her many friends became her family, and she loved them dearly.

She leaves her special family, Raymond and Elaine Labbe and their daughter Raelane, and dear friends Shirley Huntley, Madeleine St. Louis, Annie Ray, Shirley Babb, Joyce Coyne, Gracelyn Starks, Martin Bunker and Janice Sleeper.

You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to Jane’s life by visiting her guest www.thefortingroupauburn.com.

Jane Pratt