Joycelyn V. Prats

Joycelyn Vitari Prats was born on December 27, 1923 in New Orleans, LA. Kate, as she was known to her family and friends, passed away peacefully, with her daughter by her side, on March 7, 2022. She was a devoted and loving mother, mother-in-law, aunt, great-aunt, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was also a loving and supportive friend to many people.

She is preceded in death by her ex-husband, Raymond Prats, Sr.; sons, Raymond Prats, Jr. and Michael Prats, Sr.; parents, Joseph Vitari, Sr. and Hazel Vitari; brother, Joseph Vitari, Jr. and sister-in-law, Dorothy Vitari; and her two adorable dogs, Brutus and Pepper.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna (Ronnie) Sarrat; son, Thomas Prats (Debbie); daughters-in-law Linda (Ray) and Pam (Michael); grandchildren, Trey (Lacey), Christian (Lauren), Michael, Jr. (Katie), Stephen, Whitley (Jobie), and Claire; and great-grandchildren, Oliver, Sam, Eli, Dylan, Mikey, and Peyton.

Kate was a graduate of Sacred Heart High School and a member of that parish for many years. Although Kate was a homemaker most of her life, at the age of 65, she began a new career as a secretary at Lake Castle Private School in Slidell, where she lovingly worked for 20 years alongside the principal, Brian Butera.

The family would like to give special thanks to the wonderful women who helped care for Kate over the past 4 years: Tammy, Tiffany, Ella, Shirley, Gilda, Darlene, Gail, Tamara, Gail Golden, and Troy Ann; also, to her hospice nurse, Jessica; her niece, Celia; and dear friend, Linda Rubinow.

A visitation will be held at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home on Monday, March 14, 2022 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; a mass will follow in the chapel at Lake Lawn at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oliver’s Miracle, 142 Melrose Dr. Destrehan, LA 70047.