Betty Joy Cadow Prats

Born April 16, 1928, died June 9, 2026

Born in New Orleans to Edward Cadow and Olga Klung Upton, Betty Joy, aptly named, lived a colorful and joyful life. She is preceded in death by her parents and her two brothers, Roy “Buddy” and Edward “BB” Cadow, Jr., as well as her husband, Norman Prats, son of Sidney and Nola Prats. Being the last matriarch of her extended family, she lost her loving sisters and brothers-in-law over the years – Ray and Kate Prats, Eddie and Joyce Price (Leroy), and Jerry and Carol Hemstreet.

She is survived by her four children: Deborah (Harry Meredith), Lori (Jerry Hobren), Patty, and Norman “Chip” Jr. (Suzanne Schaff) Prats. She was known as “Mimi” to her nine Grandchildren: Scott (Cara-Lyn Solomon), Jeffrey (Erin Donnelly), and Corey Meredith (Kelly Terrase); Rachel (Lauren Ingram) and Katie East (Brian Bajon); David (Rachel Flarity) and Elizabeth Hobren (William Waters); Courtney (Todd Mashburn) and Madison Prats (fiancée Reese Ryland). She has 13 Great Grandchildren: James (15,) Patrick (11), Benjamin and William Anderson (9); Reagan (12) and Wyatt Meredith (8); Lilly (10) and Jake Meredith (8); Quinn (5) and Parker Hobren (3); Camille (9), Louis (7) and Margot Waters (3); and step great-grandchildren Jordan (20) and Myla (16) Solomon. The 14th, Theo Mashburn, is due in August.

Following her schooling at Howard Elementary and McMain High School, Betty worked at D.H. Holmes. She decorated wedding cakes and taught people how to creatively wrap presents on the Midday show with Terry Flettrich and Wayne Mack. She was a homemaker during her children’s school years, then used her decorative skills at Delta Paint, Elliot Carpet, and JCPenney’s drapery department, helping people make their homes beautiful. Betty’s skills continued as she helped beautify the homes of her children, grandchildren, friends, and clients. She was using cutting-edge feng shui techniques before we even heard the term. Betty was also an amazing home-taught chef, and her monthly birthday dinners and cakes were legendary. Betty brought creativity to everything she touched, from designing dance costumes and winning coloring contests to decorating high-heeled shoes for the Krewe of Muses parade.

For her 90th birthday, Betty was able to cross “going to Waco, Texas” off her bucket list. Not only did she visit Chip and Johanna Gaines Silo’s complex, but she also stayed in one of their remodeled homes with her daughters, granddaughters, and friends. Her niece, Susan Price Geoghegan, and husband Dee hosted a roast in her honor for her 90th birthday at the Southern Yacht Club. The lively event was attended by over 100 people, including family, friends, and members from the WeDK club. For her 94th birthday, Betty day-tripped with her daughters, granddaughters, and friends to Laurel, MS, the home of TV remodelers Ben and Erin Napier, and shopped until she dropped.

On her final day, Betty was surrounded by her children as she went to see her Lord, Jesus, and go to the home He has prepared for her. She is finally seeing perfection – no redecorating required.

Betty will be missed by all her friends at Ville St. Marie Senior Complex as well as the staff at St. Anthony Care Center. She celebrated her 98th birthday with friends and family at St. Anthony’s and was the oldest-ever resident there. She was in the care of the gracious, sensitive, and compassionate group at Notre Dame Hospice at the end.

Celebration of life will be at Lake Lawn Funeral Home in Metairie on Saturday, June 20, 11 – 2. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to either St. Anthony Care Center or Notre Dame Hospice.