Dorothea “Thea”D. Pruyne, 84, of Pinellas Park and Largo died Sunday, December 10, 2017.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Sam W. Pruyne.
Thea is survived by one daughter, Belinda Pruyne of Ridgefield CT; one son, Jeffrey H. Pruyne, Sr. of Largo, FL; two grandsons, Jeffrey H. Pruyne, Jr. (spouse Cassie), Theodore J. Pruyne; in-laws Betsy Drennan, James W. Pruyne (spouse Gwen); her beloved nieces and nephews; and many adopted children and close friends.
Thea was born and raised in Winfield, Kansas where she was active in theatre, art, and the life of her family. She received a bachelor’s degree from Southwestern College in Winfield and a master’s degree from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in speech pathology and audiology. She was a trendsetter; she broke the traditional rules and expectations for women of her time which helped pave the way for later generations.
Her zest for life carried through to her careers. Her first job as a speech pathologist and audiologist was at Boston Children’s Hospital. She enjoyed her later career as a realtor – helping people purchase homes where they could live comfortably, start families, and enjoy their lives. Art was Thea’s passion. Her lifelong dream of both creating and working in art was realized in her business, ‘Thea’s Ideas’. Through her work as Resident Artist at Cypress Palms and Regal Palms she has influenced and helped many people. She loved her work, provided positive leadership and did her best to change the world and her greatest joy was being a mom and especially being Mama to her grandsons, JJ and Ted.
She will be remembered for her words of wisdom, love of life, humor, her singing -especially ‘Sweet Nelly Bliss’- and her commitment to all those around her. She was indeed positive, motivating and empowering.
A celebration of life Services will be held on Saturday, December 16th at 11 AM in the Palm View Room at Regal Palms, 300 Lake Ave NE, Largo, FL. In lieu of flowers or plants the family has asked that a donation be made to the Florida Cancer Center Foundation in honor of Thea. http://foundation.flcancer.com/TheaPruyne/
Dear Belinda, Jeff and family.
I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please remember the good times and find comfort in knowing she’s with your Dad. All our love….
Tom and Ann
Belinda — Your mom was clearly a wonderful woman, ahead of her time. Your many talents are a reflection of her. My thoughts are with you and all who loved her. May your grieving and healing lead to peace and ongoing memories of the good times.
Love,
Sheri
Dear Belinda, There are some people whose light shines so naturally, whose presence and energy are so positive that they affect all those around them. Your mother was one such person, and she passed those gifts on to you! Thea was a delightful, fun-loving woman whose warmth and welcome I will always remember. My prayers (and Nicki’s prayers) are with you and Jeff and your extended family at this time. We love you and are thinking of you, Belinda. Tim (and for Nicki)