Susan N. Pratt

Susan Nicholson Pratt

March 19, 1943 – April 26, 2026

Susan Nicholson Pratt, a dedicated educator, passionate gardener, and tireless advocate for the arts and environment, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026. While Alzheimer’s slowly took many parts of the Susan we loved, she maintained her optimism and excitement for her surroundings until the very end. Known for her boundless curiosity and infectious optimism, Susan lived a life defined by service, education, and an unwavering enthusiasm for the world around her.

Early Life and Education

Born in Washington, D.C., on March 19, 1943, Susan was the daughter of the late Harvey Henry and Mary Louise Nicholson. While her roots lay in the nation's capital, she spent her formative years in Lakewood, Ohio.

Susan’s pursuit of knowledge and athletic spirit led her to Albion College in Michigan, where she played field hockey and completed her undergraduate degree. She furthered her education at the University of Chicago, where she earned a Master’s degree, fueling a lifelong love for learning that she would later instill in generations of students.

A Legacy of Teaching and Service

For several decades, Susan was a cornerstone of the faculty at Brebeuf Jesuit School. A devoted Francophile since a life-changing study abroad program in France, she took great joy in sharing the French language and global cultures with her students. She was known for bringing the world into her classroom through vivid slide shows and stories from her extensive world travels.

Susan’s commitment to her community was vast. She was a cherished member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Indianapolis. A broad lover and patron of music, she served as a meaningful board member for the Ronen Chamber Ensemble. The Pratts also frequently hosted musicians visiting Indianapolis from other areas. An avid gardener, Susan found deep fulfillment volunteering in the plant nursery at the Indiana School of the Blind, where she forged many lasting friendships. Alongside her husband, Glenn, Susan was a staunch supporter of civil rights as an engaged member of the Indianapolis NAACP. Both were also passionate environmentalists dedicated to improving natural water quality.

A Life Shared

Susan married Glenn Donald Pratt on January 25, 1969, in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. After spending their early married years in Chicago, they settled in Indianapolis, where they resided and served the community for over 45 years.

Though Susan and Glenn were not blessed with children of their own, Susan delighted in the children of her broader family. She was famously generous, particularly in supporting the education of the younger generation.

"Alive, Alert, Awake"

Susan was known for her "Susanisms"—distinctive phrases that captured her resilient spirit. In the face of challenges, she often reminded those around her, "You do what you can, not what you can't!" When asked how she was, her trademark response was a joyful, "I am alive, alert, awake, and enthusiastic about living!"

In her later years, Susan developed a special affinity for hummingbirds and cats. During a difficult battle with cancer, a daily visit from a hummingbird outside her window became a profound symbol of hope, health, and healing. In recent years, she adopted a cat, Kitty Boy, whom she delighted in and was her faithful companion until very recently.

Susan is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Glenn, and her parents, Harvey and Mary Louise. Her legacy of optimism, curiosity, and generosity will live on in the many lives she touched.

Susan is survived by her Elspass first cousins Jean Ballou (David) and Douglas Laing (Anne Michelle) and their respective children and grandchildren. Jean and Douglas were more like younger siblings than cousins, spending each childhood summer in Susan’s home. She is also survived by her Niece, Dani Pratt, and Nephew, Mark Pratt, and their respective children and grandchildren.

Details regarding services will be shared by the family at a later date.