Rochester, NY: Madeline Petrillo died October 15, 2015 after two months at The Friendly Home on East Avenue. Pre-deceased by her parents Carmela and Peter Petrillo, her sister Jay (Jennie) and survived by her sisters Mary Mykins, Anne Steinberger and Eileen Petrillo and her brothers Joseph Petrillo and James Petrillo, plus many nieces and nephews and cousins.
Madeline was a graduate of the University of Rochester and Columbia Teachers College. She lived in New York City for over 60 years returning to Rochester due to health concerns. Her innovations as a nurse and Mental Health Consultant in Pediatrics at New York Hospital and Sloan Kettering were highlighted in her book “Emotional Care of Hospitalized Children, An Environmental Approach.” She was renowned as a lecturer throughout the United States and as a teacher to nurses at multiple hospitals in NYC.
Madeline valued books, reading, interior design, flowers, travel and talking politics. She loved giving parties and entertaining her numerous friends in NYC.
She was a scholar and will be remembered for her pioneering work with children. Her legacy is maintained in the archives of the University of Pennsylvania, The Barbara Bates Center.
Her wish was to be cremated and have her ashes sprinkled in Central Park and place a bench in the park engraved with her name.
There will be no calling hours or service. A Celebration lunch for family and friends will occur in November. Donations in her memory can be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Pediatric Department, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065 or to a Children’s Hospital of your choice.
To share a memory or send condolences: epetrillo@rochester.rr.com or 585-730-4966.
Thanks to the Friendly Home for such good care the last two months.
Rochester Cremation, 4044 W. Henrietta Road, Rochester NY 14623, 3259-2300, RochesterCremation.com
Although only knowing Madeline since her return to Rochester, I will cherish our conversations! Thinking of you, Eileen!
I loved Madeline’s smile, her obvious intellect
and her terrific sense of humor. She will be missed.
Her sister Eileen’s devotion and care was
a model for all.
Barbara Ergas
Eileen,
So very sorry to learn of Madeleines passing. She was a very intellectual lady and a great smile. You gave her so much love and attention since she moved home. Cherish those memories and find peace in the time you shared together.
Madeline was my Moms first cousin, which made us cousins also. I got to know Madeline when I was living in the NYC area, but mostly when she would come to Rochester and spend the summers in the home she grew up in . During that time we would meet for lunch and a movie. I looked up to Madeline and respected her so much for everything she acpomplished in her lifetime. I will miss her very much, and my prayers go out to the family ..
Thoughts are with you Eileen. Madeline was so fortunate to have such a devoted sister. She was clearly a remarkable person who I’m happy to say I share the same profession with.
Eileen A lovely Memorial Dorothy
we remember Madeline as an elegant woman with dynamic intelligence. our time together may have been brief but her beauty, charm and wit left a lasting impression on us with great admiration. our sincere condolences to you Eileen..Dan and Diane