It is with a heavy heart that her family shares the passing of our beloved sister and aunt Theresa Pravetz, 91, of Hawley, PA, on September 25, 2022.

Born on March 9, 1931, Theresa was a caring and gentle, loving soul who was always willing to act when others needed help and support. She frequently hosted the family at her home in Beach Lake, creating unforgettable memories for young and old.

Theresa was born in Romania, from ethnic German parents Anton and Theresa (Braun) Holzli. 

Theresa lost her mother at a young age, and had a loving relationship with her stepmother, Elizabeth Holzli. 

She often recalled the refugee experience; in 1944, at age 13, she and her father drove a horse and wagon across war-torn Europe, in search of family members who had been separated while fleeing the advancing Russian army. The family was successfully reunited in Austria, and later moved to Germany. 

The resolve she showed at that time exemplified the rest of her life. Theresa emigrated with her sister Elizabeth to the United States from Germany in 1950,  and worked as a nanny for 10 years.

She married Martin Pravetz in 1962, and worked as a seamstress. Theresa and Marty lived in New Jersey for a time, and then moved to Beach Lake, PA, where Theresa worked at Katz’s factory and kept the farm with Marty. Marty sadly died in 1987. Theresa resolutely continued to keep up the farm well into the 21st century. 

Theresa is predeceased by her parents, her sister Paula Engel and brother Eugene Holzli, and is survived by her sisters Elizabeth Moor, Hedy Waltman and Erika Kuta, and by numerous nieces and nephews. 

A memorial Mass at St. Mary’s in Honesdale, followed by interment, will be held in her honor on Saturday, October 8 at 10 a.m. 

Arrangements made by Hessling Murray Funeral Home Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale, PA.