Pratt Benjamin

Pratt Benjamin, lovingly known as “Ms.” and affectionately called “Grand-mère” by those who knew and loved her, was born on September 6, 1941, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She was the baby girl of the Demorcy family, born to Edgord Demorcy and Fanny Chantiry.

Pratt Benjamin went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 4:00 a.m., in the loving home of her eldest daughter, Kathleen McLean. Her faith in Jesus Christ was unwavering, and her life reflected a quiet strength, grace, and trust in God.

Pratt was known for her thoughtful ways. One of the clearest examples of this was her paper calendar, where each box was filled with the name of someone she loved. She made sure to remember birthdays and to call. If she ever missed one, which was rare, she would call in regret, explaining that she had mistakenly written the incorrect name in the date. That simple but meaningful act captured the care and intentionality with which she lived her life.

In writing this obituary, it was truly a collective effort, with her grandchildren sharing words that beautifully described their grandmother as a peaceful, mellow, low-maintenance, calm, pleasant, thoughtful, kind, and unperturbed person. Others outside the family also shared how much she meant to them, with one person describing her as a guiding light to their family. She was also a confidante to many, someone whose presence brought comfort, steadiness, and care. Pratt was, in every sense, a Renaissance woman—graceful, wise, practical, and full of quiet depth.

Pratt completed her schooling in Haiti and later immigrated to the United States. She initially worked as a caregiver before beginning a long and faithful career at Roosevelt Hospital in billing and accounting, where she worked until her retirement. During her lunchtime, Mommy Pratt would distribute coats and food to the unhoused community near her workplace that she collected from her colleagues. This was her faith in action.

She found joy in simple pleasures. Her hobbies included crossword puzzles, shopping, and reviewing receipts with great care. If she found that she had been overcharged, she would walk right back to the store to make it right. She was both attentive and practical, never careless and never afraid to speak up when necessary.

Pratt was known for her signature sayings, which reflected both her wisdom and her faith: “It’s in God’s hands,” “What woman wants, God wants,” and “Don’t ever judge other people’s children, because you don’t know what yours will produce.” These words, like her life, left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

She will be remembered for her kindness, generosity, calm spirit, and remarkable ability to let things go. She lived a life marked by healing, care, and love. She was a steady presence, a source of comfort, and a woman whose gentle strength touched many lives.

Pratt Benjamin leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Kathleen McLean and Michelle Gordon; her sons-in-love, Mark McLean and Roger Gordon; and her beloved grandchildren, Danielle, Christopher, Sarah, Tra’cee, Joseph, Amanda, Kathleen Joy, and Claire. She also leaves a multitude of nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-nieces and great-nephews, as well as her beloved niece and goddaughter, Marie Bernard Smalls. Pratt also had two special people, Regine Gray and Tony Benjamin, whom she considered her daughter and son of her heart, respectively.

The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude for the loving care and support shown to Pratt and to all who walked alongside them during this season.

Acknowledgment
The family of the late Pratt Benjamin, affectionately known as “Grand-mère,” wishes to express their sincere appreciation for every act of kindness, love, and support shown during this time of loss. We extend special thanks to the staff of The Community Hospice, located at 445 New Karner Road, Albany, New York, and to Marie Jeudy, Grand-mère’s nurse, for the compassionate care she gave. We are also deeply grateful to the pastor and church family of Metropolitan Baptist Church for their many expressions of love, prayers, and unwavering support for our family.

Pratt loved the color purple.  In honor of her, we are asking you to wear your favorite purple attire or accessories,  if you do not have the color purple, please do not go out and purchase anything, your presence is enough. Thank you and we look forward to celebrating her life with you.

Her service will also be live streamed starting at 11am on S.L. McLaughlin Funeral Home Facebook and You Tube pages.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pratt Benjamin, please visit our floral store.