The sun does not seem to shine as bright for us today, our lovely mother/mom-mom, Carmella Prather passed away on Friday, May 20th surrounded by her family. We are given peace knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband, Dennis Prather and the rest of her family. They welcomed her with open arms.
Carmella was born on June 23, 1944. She was the 4th and youngest child to Dominick and Carmella Earvase. Her siblings were Joe, Jean and Butch who have previously departed. A few years later after she graduated from Wilmington High School, Carmella met the love of her life, Dennis Prather, through a mutual friend at a wedding. She and Dennis married on September 12,1970. They were married for 43 years. After marriage they lived in an apartment in Wilmington prior to moving to Elsmere, DE to live and raise a family. Carmella has 2 children, Brian and Stephanie who she adored. Not only was she a wonderful wife and mother but she also worked in the insurance industry. She retired from Zutz Insurance Company in 2009. Carmella enjoyed monthly luncheons with her co-workers for birthday celebrations. She liked being around people who enjoyed good food and conversations. Carmella loved being a mother, she was a loving, caring and supportive mother who showed her children that love on a daily basis. She not only instilled those qualities in her children but she passed those values on to her 4 grandkids. Being a grandmother was the greatest gift to her. She was able to be a part of her grandkids daily lives while still being a supportive mother to Stephanie. Carmella cherished watching her grandkids grow, it was a gift that she held close to her heart.
Carmella enjoyed her game shows and TV shows. She knew almost every card game you could think of and loved playing cards with her family and friends. One thing that always seemed to be her calling and passion was food. Carmella was an excellent cook and baker. “LOVE” was the main ingredient in all her recipes. She shared that talent with both her children and passed down traditions that will continue in the family. Homemade ice cream cake for birthdays, chocolate eggs for Easter and baking cookies for Christmas is what we look forward to as a family every year, she always made the BEST. She could throw down with Bobby Flay any day of the week.
Carmella’s smile would light up a room and she always had a smile on her face. Anyone who met her will tell you she was the sweetest woman. She is forever in our hearts and will never be forgotten. She was truly loved by all who met her. We will miss her everyday moving forward. Our memories of her will live on in each and every one of us. She is survived by her son Brian (Tiffaney), daughter Stephanie Raffa (Vinnie), her grandchildren Arabella, Noah, Layla and Vivianna and also by her extended family and friends.
A viewing will be held on Friday May 27 from 6-8 pm at McCrery and Harra Funeral Home, 3710 Kirkwood Highway Wilmington 19808. Friends are also welcome Saturday morning from 10-10:30 where a service will begin at 10:30. Burial will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park.
