ANGELES BADELL

BADELL--Angeles, MD. Achieved her final peace at her home in Rye, NY on January 7, 2011. Dr. Badell was born in Barcelona, Spain in 1929, and her Catalan heritage and pride infused her life's achievements both personal and professional. She was the only female graduate in the class of 1952 of the Facultad de Medicina in Barcelona. Married in 1953, her young family made the journey to the United States in 1955. With pride, she became a United States citizen on April 20, 1964. Dr. Badell completed her residency in the new field of Rehabilitation with the support of Dr. Howard A. Rusk. As a leader in the study of physical medicine and pediatric rehabilitation, Dr. Badell's career spanned more than 50 years including roles as Director of the Children's Unit at St. Agnes Hospital in White Plains, NY and Director of Rehabilitation at Long Island Jewish Medical Center, Westbury, NY. She pioneered the use of a combined therapy approach for children, integrating physical, speech and occupational therapies along with educational, emotional and family support. She also published extensively and is still considered an expert in the overall treatment of spina bifida. Dr. Badell's personal passion was being a mother and continually nurturing her own and her daughters' relationship with a beautiful, loving and multi-talented family miles away in Spain. Her legacy to her daughters and grandchildren is passed on through her values which speak to being a good person that honors family, enjoys the accomplishments that come with hard work, seeks an excellent education and has the courage to overcome obstacles. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands: Angie (Douglas Robertson), Carmen (John Thain), and Maria (Michael Paddack); and her treasured grandchildren are blessed with many memories of their "Yaya" and "Grandma": Alexander (Tracy), Nicole, Victoria and Zachary Thain; Anna Fleming and Eliza Claire Paddack, along with an extended family in and around Barcelona, Spain. It was Dr. Badell's wish that she also be known for her ongoing esteem and support of the New York Province of the Society of Jesus. Services will be held at the Church of the Resurrection in Rye, NY on Tuesday January 11, at 11am.