Rev. Mary Elizabeth Pratt-Horsley

The Reverend Mary Elizabeth Pratt-Horsley went peacefully to be with her Maker on February 26, 2017. She was born in Kenosha, WI in October 1946 to Ernest and Ruth Pratt. Residence in Mexico City during her childhood and later residence in Paris, France enabled Mary Elizabeth to become an accomplished linguist. She received a B.A. in French and Spanish from Rutgers University and an M.A. in French from San Jose State University. She taught French at Ohlone Community College in Fremont, CA for several years. In 1989 Mary Elizabeth was called to the ministry. Following her graduation from the Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, CA, she was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. She was then appointed director of the Santa Maria Urban Ministry of San Jose, a Diocesan ministry that provides the downtown San Jose community with a food pantry to meet short term needs and educational and targeted programs for long term transformation. Mary Elizabeth came to Los Osos in 2000, when she was called to be Rector of St. Benedict’s Church. During her time as Rector the present church building on Los Osos Valley Road was constructed by renovating a chapel moved from Camp Roberts. Despite a struggle with rheumatoid arthritis, her courage and optimism provided inspirational leadership during this challenging time for the St, Benedict’s congregation. She retired in 2005 when her health made it difficult for her to continue in active ministry. In retirement she continued to share her gifts with the members of St. Benedict’s and was also able to indulge her love of quilting. Mary Elizabeth is survived by her husband of 47 years, John Horsley, children Matthew and Laura, grandchildren Lauren and Austin, and sister Margaret Cook of Stamford, CT. A celebration of Mary Elizabeth’s life will be on Saturday, March 18th at 4:00 pm at St. Benedict’s. Please visit Mary Elizabeth’s online tribute at www.lososvalleymortuary.com for more information and to sign the guest book.