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HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously adopted a resolution this week that marks the passing of a Philadelphia Common Pleas Court judge.
State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., introduced the resolution honoring the late Judge Lisa Aversa Richette for her lifelong advocacy for at-risk children and people with mental illness, as well as her efforts in child welfare and juvenile justice.
"Judge Richette was an incredible person. While it would have been so easy for her to busy herself with her judicial role, she continued her advocacy for children and those less fortunate," Josephs said. "She was a true role model and an inspiration."
Richette was born in south Philadelphia and graduated from local schools, including the University of Pennsylvania, before heading to Yale Law School. It was there she began her lifelong advocacy for at-risk children and people with mental illness at the Yale Study Unit Research Center for Psychiatry and Law.
She was a teacher, social activist, author and assistant district attorney before being appointed to the court by Gov. Milton Shapp in 1971.
"She was always dedicated to social justice," Josephs added. "She will be remembered as a wonderful and spiritual individual."
Richette died Oct. 26; she was 79 years old.
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