Vilma’s Obituary Vilma R Frattone age 87, daughter of the late Pasquale and Ilde (Romanini) Manetti died peacefully after a brief illness at the Peter Becker Community. Vilma grew up on West Third Avenue in Conshohocken and graduated from Conshohocken High School (1948). She was the mother of Thomas and Linda Adkins.
Vilma was the loving wife of Richard V Frattone. They were married in 1966. Vilma lived in Plymouth Meeting for 38 years, then 14 years in Collegeville, before moving to the Peter Becker Community in 2017.
Vilma pursued knowledge her entire life through reading and evening courses and loved to discuss a wide variety of subjects with people from all walks of life. Vilma’s creativity and perseverance were appreciated by many through her poetry, which covered her childhood in her beloved Conshohocken, and more serious topics like George Washington’s lament during his winter encampment at Valley Forge. She also published two very entertaining children’s books.
One book explores an elephant family’s migration adventure, and the other book is a Christmas story with Origami characters. Even with her limited formal education, Vilma created the Terravision Foundation to teach an appreciation of environmental issues to young children. Thousands of children pledged to participate and were given a beautiful certificate to display at home, and an “Adopt A Spot” pin to wear proudly.
She solicited and received help from federal, state and local entities to promote her program. Following are some of the awards she received for her efforts: The US/ United Nations Environmental 500 award. Nominated as a daily point of light by the White House.
The US Forest Service planted a tree in her honor in Valley Forge National Park. The Freedom Foundation George Washington gold medal, (twice). Take pride in Pennsylvania first place winner award, (twice).
Woman of achievement award from the Valley Forge Girl Scout council. Vilma and her husband were actively involved with an antique automobile hobby, where their efforts to create activities, publish newsletters, and accept responsible leadership positions brought them a lot of satisfaction. They made many life long friends and visited many interesting places.
Along with her husband Rich, Vilma is survived by her children, Thomas and Linda Adkins; and four sisters, Louise Conti, Rita Romano, Gloria Gambone, and Adele Radatti. She was preceded in death by her brother, Louis Manetti; and her sister, Marie Schultz. Relatives and friends are invited to celebrate Vilma’s life on Saturday, February 23 between 2 and 4 PM in the Huff & Lakjer Funeral Home, 701 Derstine Avenue, Lansdale.
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