Charlotte Frances Prata

Charlotte Frances Prata passed away peacefully at Rosedale Home for Special Care, New Germany, on Friday, February 2, 2024. Charlotte was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tomaso Prata.

Charlotte was born on October 24, 1928, the daughter of Florence Edina Sabin Thurber (1902 – 1996) and Clarence Bernard Thurber (1897 – 1982). Charlotte was predeceased by her infant brother, Robert.

Charlotte grew up in Weymouth North and taught school for a year after high school. She then attended Acadia University, graduating with a Diploma in Secretarial Science in 1949. Charlotte worked for L.B. Stevens Construction Ltd., and Keltic Savings / Scotia Bond Company before (and while) starting a pizzeria with Tomaso.

Many of us will remember Charlotte as the kindly, quiet person stretching pizza dough at Pizzeria Tomaso on Young Street, Halifax. Tomaso was a huge personality who attracted a large and varied group of customers who thoroughly enjoyed his hospitality. Charlotte and the oven boys and girls (Darlene!) produced legendary pizzas. Pizzeria Tomaso, Tom and Charlotte were strong supporters of the IWK Telethon and many other local charities.

Charlotte remained immensely grateful for friendships formed through the pizza store. So many friends - families with names including Chapman, O’Regan, Yetman, Spatz, Buchanan, Merovitch, Cameron, Donovan, Ryan, Cianfaglione, Hosein, Duchesne, Isenor, Murphy and Perry - were welcomed weekly. Some of the young people who worked there have stayed in touch over these many years. In Charlotte’s words, “Tom taught me that it is possible to give for the joy of it. He made many friends, from many different backgrounds, and I received the fringe benefits.”

Charlotte was embraced by Tom’s Italian family with love and respect. Charlotte maintained contact with his family after his death, and in her quiet way, was a unifying force. One called her Zia “Angel”. Nick and Olga Di Pietro and many other members of Tom’s large family kept in regular contact with Charlotte.

Charlotte loved the Lord. Throughout her life, she had a strong Christian faith and unshakeable belief in God. She read the Bible and lived by its teachings. Charlotte was a long-time member of Mulgrave Park United Baptist Church. Her faith was such that one church was not enough. She also worshipped regularly at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, and later at Canadian Martyrs Catholic Church. Charlotte’s deep faith was an inspiration. She was a quiet person who led by example. Gordon and Joan Shea, Patricia (Dolly) Hall and Betty Harnish were staunch friends. Charlotte’s Thurber and DeWolfe relations were very important to her. David Yetman has always been so kind. Bless all of you!

In recent years, Charlotte moved to The Berkeley on Gladstone Street. Assisted by its wonderful staff, Charlotte was able to maintain her independence into her 90’s. Thank you especially to Linda and to Sandra for your friendship and guidance. More recently, Charlotte was warmly welcomed by Rosedale Home for Special Care in New Germany. Thank you for the care provided, particularly given the additional challenges presented by Covid when only you had access to the residents in your care. Not only did you look after Charlotte’s physical needs, but you went above and beyond what could ever be expected in giving Charlotte respect, love, friendship and a true home as you embraced her with your kindness and care. Lisa Maynard, you and your co-workers are the angels who walk among us.

At Charlotte’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. Interment will be at a later date in Gates of Heaven Cemetery where she will join her beloved Tom. Thank you all for your enduring friendship and love for this remarkable woman.

Causes close to Charlotte’s heart were many, but in particular she supported the IWK (iwkfoundation.org) 100-5881 Spring Garden Rd Halifax NS B3H 4S3; Canadian Baptist Ministries (cbmin.org) 7185 Millcreek Dr. Mississauga ON L5N 5R4; Souls Harbour Rescue Mission (SHRM.ca) PO Box 9255 RPO CSC Halifax NS B3K 5MB should you wish to honour her memory by way of donation. She would be equally pleased by individual acts of kindness.