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Years ago, owing to her gaining an immense sense of satisfaction from helping others, Maureen Fratantoni believed she would become a general practitioner. The 54-year-old eventually parted with the plan to be a literal healer but has loved serving as a figurative physician in being a public school education advocate.
“I always promote change in the political and social realm because we can always do better, especially for our children,” the mother of two and resident of the 1900 block of South 11th Street said of her efforts, which include a recently completed three-year stint as Home and School President for George W. Nebinger School, 601 Carpenter St. “We have to be fighting for their welfare every day because they’re our future.”
The East Passyunk Crossing inhabitant has proved particularly diligent over the last year, as the School District of Philadelphia’s battles with staggering deficits have necessitated numerous conferences and rallies, which she has attended religiously, especially as a voice for youths on the autism spectrum. Speaking of faith, Fratantoni has relied on her unwavering supply to weather familial health concerns, including her husband’s and mother-in-law’s persistent ailments.
“The world gets harsher each day, and the stress of it will kill you,” she said of leading a prayer-filled existence. “We have to endure.”
Fratantoni has persisted for relatives and friends, the latter tabbing her “Wonder Woman” for her commitment to copious causes, including the growth of Philly Play, the enhancement of Musicopia and the expansion of the mission of The Marian Anderson Historical Society, 762 S. Martin St. Having initiated her quest for deeper meaning and understanding 30 years ago upon her father’s passing, she looks back on the last three decades with occasional tears and plentiful smiles, with Difference Maker distinction prompting the latter.
“I am immensely grateful,” Fratantoni said. “I love speaking up for children. What do we gain if they fall back?”
Contact Managing Editor Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
2014 Difference Makers
/ L. Jay Agnes / Christine M. Beady / Jessica Calter / Mikki Capo /
/ Barbara Capozzi / Giovanna Cavaliere /
/ Christopher DiCapua / Marlo and Jason Dilks / Marie DiStefano / Beth Dougherty /
/ Cornell Drummond / Maureen Fratantoni / Etrulia (Trudy) Gay / Jess Gould /
/ David and Lisa Grainge / Richie Lazer / Tim Lidiak /
/ Shane Martin / Laura McColgan / Akhenaton Mikell / Russell Shoemaker / Lionel Simmons / Tom Wyatt/
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