Maria P. Donatucci was elected to serve as state representative for the 185th Legislative District, Philadelphia County, in a special election on Feb. 1, 2011. A 13-year employee of Philadelphia’s Bureau of Administrative Adjudication, she also has served as a community volunteer, a loving wife and caring mother of two.

She was born and raised in South Philadelphia, an only child to comedian Phil Jaye and Jean Patelmo. She has called Girard Estate home for nearly her entire life.

She graduated from the Philadelphia High School for Girls. She earned credits at various institutions of higher learning, including the Philadelphia College of Art, Philadelphia Community College, Pierce Junior College and Temple University.

Maria married then state Representative Robert Donatucci in 1984. They raised two children, Thomas and Dierdre. During their nearly 27 years together, Maria strongly supported and assisted her husband in his community service work, serving as a pro-bono community liaison, representing Bob at many community meetings and events when legislative work kept her husband in Harrisburg, and helping in the community with various initiatives.

Bob passed away in November after winning reelection to his 16th term in office. Maria hopes to continue his legacy of serving all of the citizens of the 185th District.

Maria has strong experience within government, having worked for various departments of the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as an adjudicator and supervisor with the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication.

Maria also has served as a board member for the American Swedish Historical Museum, the Lions Club, the Friends of Girard Park and the Girard Farms Community Club. The Lions Club bestowed the Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Outstanding Community Service to Maria in 2007.

As representative for the 185th District, Maria has placed fighting crime and making public safety in Philadelphia and Delaware County among her top priorities. She also plans to work to pass tax relief for senior citizens and working families and will push to improve education and schools throughout her district and in the Commonwealth.

Today, Representative Maria Donatucci is among 33 women serving in the General Assembly, the highest total in Pennsylvania history.