17. Raised by a Widow: Grief, Resilience, Community, and Connection — with Real-Life “Gilmore Girls” Marisa Corcoran and Mom, Rita Fratto

What’s it really like to grow up in a single-parent home shaped by grief...and deep, enduring connection?

In this special episode, I’m joined by copywriting coach Marisa Corcoran and her mom, Rita Fratto — a real-life “Gilmore Girls” duo whose story offers a powerful glimpse into widowhood, single parenting, and the long-term impact on children as they grow into adulthood.

This is an honest, inspiring - and fun! - conversation about life's unexpected lessons, community, resilience, chosen family, and the everyday moments that build a secure, loving relationship over time, without pretending that single parenting is easy or light.

ABOUT MARISA CORCORAN AND RITA FRATTO

Marisa Corcoran and Rita Fratto hail from Syracuse, New York, and consider themselves the original "Gilmore Girls."

Rita spent the majority of her career as the head of Senior Programs for The City of Syracuse as well as a Social Worker with Syracuse Housing Authority, all while being a widow and single mother.

Marisa Corcoran is the creator of The Copy Chat and Copy Confidence Society, helping business owners uncover what to say (think: words on your website, emails, and more!) to magnetically attract your dream clients.

👉 WEBSITE: MarisaCorcoran.com

👉 IG: @Mtoni

👉 FREE: 50+ Scroll-Stopping Subject Lines

👉 The Copy Confidence Society

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❤️ Enrollment is open for Coaching Circles! Only 3 spots per Circle. 👉 parentingwithconnection.com/circles

❤️ FREE guide: Tantrums, & Meltdowns, & Rages...Oh My! The single parent's guide to understanding challenging behaviors

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CONNECT WITH DR. GILA

👉 Join the newsletter for practical parenting tips and a hefty dose of empathy, delivered straight to your inbox.

🔗 Website: www.parentingwithconnection.com

✉️ E-mail: hello@drgilaparenting.com

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©️ 2026 Dr. Gila Parenting | All rights reserved

DISCLAIMER: All episodes of Single-Parenting with Connection (NOT Perfection) are for educational and informational purposes only. Although Dr. Gila is a licensed psychologist and certified coach, this podcast and the information discussed within the podcast do not constitute therapy, counseling, coaching, or other professional service, and are not a substitute for professional services including medical or psychological advice. Moreover, the views expressed on the podcast are those of the host and guests. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of the content.

Any use of this intellectual property owned by Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA) may not be used in connection with the sale or distribution of any content (free or paid, written or verbal), product, and/or service by you without prior written consent from Dr. Gila Parenting (DBA).