Madeline Cantisano Roeding

Madeline Cantisano Roeding, beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and co-founder of the Norman Howard School, passed peacefully on January 24, 2025, at the age of 95. A lifelong resident of the Rochester area, Madeline was born on January 20, 1930, to Vincent and Concetta ("Tina") Cantisano. She was a proud graduate of Nazareth Academy ('47). In 2000, Madeline was an honored recipient of the Nazareth Academy Lumina Lux Award, a recognition bestowed on alumnae whose community service, Christian involvement, and personal achievements exemplified the school's mission.
Beginning in 1971 and for three decades, Madeline was a steadfast volunteer advocate for children with learning disabilities, helping many children in the Rochester community open the door to learning and a bright future. She served as co-chair of the Penfield Learning Disabilities Association, president of the Monroe County Learning Disabilities Association, and was a trustee to the New York State Association for the Learning Disabled. In 1980, along with Mrs. Shirley Cass and Dr. William Hoskin, Madeline co-founded the Norman Howard School for children and adolescents with special learning needs. As NHS grew, Madeline served as a trustee and advisor, continuing to guide the school's direction through her work on the Program Committee. Madeline never missed an opportunity to celebrate the success of NHS and its students and could be found front and center at every graduation ceremony.
A devout Catholic, Madeline was a communicant at Holy Spirit (Penfield) and Assumption (Fairport) parishes. Her faith in God was unquestionable and prayer life rich. She was an exemplary model of one who maintained an active relationship with God. Family and friends in need of intercession regularly requested she add them to her "prayer list."
Madeline is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband Robert Roeding, and brother Frank Canton. She is survived by her daughter Ginna Roeding, son Eric Roeding (Jodi), four grandchildren, Emily Lagan (Matthew Maj), Robert Lagan, Alyssa Roeding, and Austin Roeding, sister-in-law Ann Canton, three nieces, Catherine (Michael) O'Heron, Carol (Richard) Bennett, and Susan (Charles) Stiles, many grandnieces and grandnephews, great grandnieces and great grandnephews, and devoted friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 3 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Anthony Funeral and Cremation (2305 Monroe Avenue, Rochester). Madeline's life will be celebrated at a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, February 4 at 9:30 am at St. Charles Borromeo Church (3003 Dewey Avenue). Interment will follow at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (Lake Avenue, Rochester). In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Madeline's name to the Norman Howard School.