Frankie Carol (Candelari) DeGeorge

Frankie was born in Houston, TX, in 1939 to Beatrice and Albert Candelari. She earned a B.A. in English Literature from the University of St. Thomas in Houston in 1961. There she met James DeGeorge, whom she married .The couple had two daughters, Elise Annette and Kristin Maria.

In 1964 she began a career in early childhood education, an endeavor which would become her life-long passion. She began teaching in an early childhood center in Beaumont, TX. Frankie later earned a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she taught as a graduate student and eventually as a professor while caring for her family.

For years Frankie served as an adviser to the Indiana, Pennsylvania Welfare Board where she consulted in the selection of educational professionals for the district. In 1986 she founded Alegre Children's Center specializing in multicultural education modeled after the Reggio Emilia Approach.

Frankie volunteered extensively at Jackson House Crisis Center in Hot Springs until she became ill.

Her wish was to see a world of peaceful conversations about race, acceptance, tolerance and respect. A world that does not march to the drum of restrictive masculine structures. With optics like these, she said, we can teach children acceptance of all colors.

Frankie is survived by her husband, James; daughters Elise and Kristin; and granddaughter, Emma; along with sisters Magdelyn, Tina and Kathryn; son-in-law, Jean-Philippe; and grandson-in-law, Jacob.

Funeral Mass at St. Mary of The Springs Catholic Church, Hot Springs, Monday, March 22, 2021 at 11 am preceded by rosary and Divine Chaplet at 10:15 am.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Jackson House, 705 Malvern Ave. Hot Springs, AR 71901.

To have Masses said for Frankie, please contact the parish office, 501.623.3233.