Theresa Pravetz

It is with a heavy heart that her family shares the passing of our beloved sister and aunt Theresa Pravetz, 91, of Hawley,
on September 25, 2022. Born on March 9, 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 in 1931 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 when in
1944 at age 13 she and her father drove horse and wagon across war torn Europe in search of the family
members who were separated 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 to the United States from Germany in 1950 with her sister Elizabeth 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 Pennsylvania 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 21 st century. Theresa is predeceased by her parents, her sister Paula
Engel and brother Eugene Holzli and survived by her sisters Elizabeth Moor, Hedy Waltman and Erika
Kuta and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial Mass at St. Mary’s in Honesdale followed by
interment will be held on October 8, 2022 at 10 AM in her honor. Arrangements made by Hessling Murray Funeral Home Inc., 428 Main St. Honesdale, Pa.