Madeleine Petrigala

Apalachin - Madeleine Margaret Petrigala, 68, of Apalachin, New York, passed away at Lourdes Hospital surrounded by family on December 22, 2017. Madeleine was born in Brooklyn, New York on December 12, 1949. She went to high school at Saint Mary's High School in Manhasset, New York, earned her college degree from Mount Saint Mary's College in Newburgh, New York, and earned her Masters from SUNY Binghamton. Madeleine was a beloved first grade teacher in Johnson City and often received messages from her former students about the profound impact she had on their lives. Madeleine adored being Nana to her grandson Petey and was very eager to meet her granddaughter Eula Towers, who is expected to arrive January 21st on Madeleine's father's birthday. Madeleine was known for her tremendous strength and courage, and her generous, kind and loving heart. Her legacy will carry on through her beloved grandchildren.

Madeleine was predeceased in death by her parents, Dr. Paul A. (PaDa) and Gladys (GaGum) Towers, as well as brothers Joseph V. Towers and Paul A. Towers Jr. She is survived by her husband, PeterJon Petrigala; son Brendan Petrigala, his wife Rebecca Petrigala and their son Peter Thomas Petrigala of Endicott; daughter Lauren Smythe and husband Keoki Smythe of Colorado Springs, Colorado; sister Mary Towers Murphy and her husband Thomas Murphy of Felton, Pennsylvania; brothers Michael Towers and his wife Shevaun Towers of Washington, Pennsylvania, and Vincent Towers of Loveland, Colorado. The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to Dr. Alan Lerman and Dr. Jermone Mikloucich who provided outstanding care and comfort to both Madeleine and her family. A Funeral Mass will be offered at St. Vincent de Paul Blessed Sacrament Church, Clubhouse Road, Vestal, Thursday at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the J.A. McCormack Sons Funeral Home, 141 Main Street, Binghamton, Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959

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Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin from Dec. 24 to Dec. 27, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Madeleine Petrigala

Sponsored by the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin.

13 Entries

Allyson Lliara

August 25, 2025

Mrs. Petrigala was actually my first grade teacher way back in 2002. My mom and I absolutely adored her. I was a very unique student and she took the time to actually work with me, not against me. I remember her smile when she and I would talk. I remember visiting her classroom at open house in 2005 and her remembering me and asking me how I was adjusting to the 4th grade. She was one teacher that I'll always remember having.

Klarissa Spencer

April 9, 2018

My name is Klarissa Spencer and Mrs. Petrigala was my host teacher when I student taught in her class 23 years ago. She is the reason why I have such a fondness for our littlest learners, especially those with special needs. She was so kind and helpful. I learned a lot from her and she will be missed. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.

Nancy Eichler

December 29, 2017

I am shocked beyond words to see this today, Madeleine and I had sons the same age and spent a significant amount of time together when they were little. She was truly a treasure. We recently were planning on getting together again after many years out of touch. We became good face book pals!

Mary,
My heart is aching for your family. Losing Madeleine is a huge loss.
She was so excited to be a grandma and was so proud of her children.
I am sorry I did not get to the wake. I am just finding out about this now. Please know my heart and prayers are with you and your family. I wish you peace only found through Jesus and his blessings.
Please convey my sincerest condolences yo your family.

Aimee Tully

December 28, 2017

My son, Trenten, was diagnosed with Leukemia just six weeks prior to entering first grade many years ago. We were sincerely blessed to have had Mrs. Petrigala in our lives. As a teacher she showed uncomparable love and compassion and was always an advocate for his needs. She invited me to read a book to the entire first grade that educated others about the disease and she allowed Trent to eat lunch in her classroom each day, letting him pick two special friends. He still speaks so fondly of her.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family. May you find strength and peace in your faith this Christmas.

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Summer Daniels

December 28, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with Madeleine's family.

Shirley Okoniewski

December 27, 2017

My deepest Sympathy to Madeleine's family on their loss. I was fortunate to meet her when I became a part time teacher's aide in the K-2 building 12 years ago!..Madeleine was a loving caring, giving, kind, wonderful teacher. Just a lovely lady.She will be missed by all!. RIP sweet lady...

December 27, 2017

My son had Mrs. Petrigala as a teacher. He had some mental health issues and wasn't always easy to like. She treated him with such respect, love, and gentleness, as she did me as well. She gave me hope when I had none, she gave me compassion when my tears were flowing, and concern for him when others just saw a "bad kid". She helped my family through a terrible time and I will never forget her kindness. In big part to her, my son is now a wonderful young man who will graduate high school next year. Heaven has certainly gained a beautiful angel. I'm deeply saddened by her passing and very sorry for your loss.

Steven Correll

December 26, 2017

Brendan and Lauren, I'm so deeply sorry to hear of your moms passing. She was one of the kindest people I've ever known. Please know that both of you and your dad will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sharon Scism

December 25, 2017

I loved Madeleine and her wonderful sense of humor! I had the pleasure of meeting her at JC elementary while I worked as a computer technician there. I never heard an unkind word come out of her mouth, and admired her seemingly infinite supply of patience. The world has lost an amazingly beautiful soul. I am so sorry for your loss Madeleine's dear family...

Nick & Patrice Oranchak

December 25, 2017

Mrs. Petrigala was the teacher who always was willing to hold a child's hand and hold a sppecial place in their heart. Every child felt welcome in her class and the welcome stayed with them to their adulthood. Our son was lucky enough to be one of them! I am sure we all heard the bell ring as this angel got her wings!

Mary Kay Roland

December 25, 2017

Madeleine was beloved by her young learners, their parents and her colleagues. She had a calm demeanor that made every child feel safe and accepted. So many children learned how to read and write in her class. Her coworkers knew she had a friendly ear and a giving heart.

Nancy McDonald

December 24, 2017

RIP Madeleine.

Kelly Dailey

December 24, 2017

Rebecca and Family So very sorry to hear of the passing Of your mother in law, My deepest Thoughts and prayers are with you and your Family during this difficult time. God bless

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