Mary Lucy Fratto's Obituary
Mary L. Fratto
Surrounded by her family, Mary Lucy Fratto, beloved sister, sister-in-law, cousin, friend and “the coolest Aunt ever,” peacefully passed away on July 11, 2021 from heart failure secondary to a cardiomyopathy. She was 74 years of age.
Mary was born on December 13, 1946 to Charles and Catherine Fratto in Salt Lake City. She was the oldest of seven children, all of whom were blessed to be raised by loving, caring parents.
Mary graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna, Utah in 1965. At the age of 19, following a year at the University of Utah, Mary joined the Victory Noll Community in Indiana as a Catholic nun. While serving in Colorado she received a degree from Regis College. Later, her work as a Religious Educator took her to South Texas, where she became a Registered Nurse, which led to a 35-year career in home healthcare. Mary remained in the Victory Noll order for 21 years and always felt fortunate for that experience.
In 1996, Mary relocated to Salt Lake City to help with the care of her mother and be closer to her family. She showed her pride and support for each of them by attending numerous sporting events, award assemblies, dance concerts, graduations, weddings and baptisms.
Mary became an active member of the Italian-American Civic League. She held several offices, including women’s chapter president, and chaired numerous events over the years. Socializing with the women at the monthly meetings was always a joy for her, and she was very grateful for all their prayers, love and support as her health diminished.
All who knew Mary had some special connection with her, whether it was sports, movies, cooking, anything Italian, nursing and travel.
Mary loved the Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio Spurs, and the Utah Jazz. She enjoyed attending Jazz games with her friends and family. Mary was an aficionado of golf, tennis, baseball and boxing. She enjoyed it all! Mary loved going to the movies with her sister-in-law, Lynn, and for many years they attended The Sundance Film Festival. Mary was our expert on who would win the Academy Awards.
Mary had a great passion for cooking and feeding her family and friends. Her home was always open to everyone, and there was always an extra seat at the table. Her pasta sauce, meatballs and zucchini patties tasted just like Mom’s. She loved watching cooking shows and jotting down recipes for later use.
Mary’s life was truly a life of service to others. She was selfless and always willing to help those in need. She was our personal specialist for medical advice and religious questions. She positively touched so many lives over the years through her religious vocation, nursing career and volunteerism. Mary had many close friends and kept them near to her heart.
Mary loved to travel and always looked forward to her next trip to see family or friends. She treasured the memories of her vacations to Italy and France, and the many visits to see her niece, Nicole, in San Antonio.
Mary wanted to thank her siblings for their loving care and support, and give a special thanks to her “much younger” sister, JoLyn, for her un-selfish care and her “favorite brother-in-law”, Jerry, for his years of home repairs and maintenance.
Survived by siblings, Teach (Pat) Fratto, Frank (Lisette) Fratto, JoLyn (Jerry) Fratto Oyler, Patrick (Kim) Fratto, sister-in-law, Lynn Keating Fratto (Nick Floros), special cousins Tina and Sam Lewis, many nieces, nephews, and cousins and her constant companion and loving dog, Katie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Catherine Fratto, brothers Charlie Fratto and Paul Fratto, and nephew Ryan Fratto.
A special thanks to her caregivers Asilia and Fale and IHC Hospice, especially Valerie, her nurse, and all her aides, Anna, Lauren and Trish. You took care of Mary with love and compassion.
In lieu of flowers, Mary requested donations be made to the Julia Center, Inc., 1520 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL. 60642. A program started by the Victory Noll Sisters to promote justice, peace and serving those in need.
A private funeral mass was celebrated at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church and committal at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery on July 21, 2021.
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