“Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.”
~ Adlai E. Stevenson II
This past week, one of the brightest stars in our Compliments to the Chef family and our community passed away after a brief illness. Today we reflect on the memories of her and honor the role she had in our business family and our lives.
Mary Fitzgerald Prattico entered our Compliments to the Chef family almost 10 years ago. During those years Mary gave her time, her love and her love for cooking to the day-to-day operations of the store. She had a sparkling smile that would make anyone smile back and a contagious laugh when she would chuckle at John’s humor. Mary’s love of cooking, recipes, and suggestions on what cooking tools to use transferred over to our customers contributing to an experience that welcomed and educated anyone who walked into the store. Mary was always there for us when unexpected family emergencies required her to step in and cover the store.
She always gave unconditionally. We knew she loved the store as we do. That is something that many business people realize is difficult to find.
Our endless conversations about our family, our children, college and the future always reflected the love and commitment Mary had for her two boys and her husband. Every Christmas we received homemade wine from Vinny and the Prattico family. It was always very good. Mary loved to cook and to entertain family and friends, always coming up with a new recipe or an amazing creation.
Our last conversation with Mary was a month ago when she stopped by to say “hello” with her youngest son. Mary was so proud of her oldest son and his new career and start to life. She was also excited about the future of her youngest son as he prepares to enter into college. And of course, we talked about food, recipes and the upcoming holidays.
She adored her boys and her involvement with their school.
Mary left a foot print on our hearts. Our hearts are broken. Words cannot express the sadness and sympathy we have for the entire Prattico family.
And with that, we have lost an incredible soul who stepped into our lives for awhile, leaving an imprint. We have been truly blessed and thankful to have had Mary in our lives
Love your family and friends, enjoy life, have fun cooking make it an event with your family.
“Remember, life happens in the kitchen!”
Take care,
John and Paula Reardon
