Obituary of Madeline Kaniatyn

August 17, 2021

Madeline Escobar Kaniatyn was born on April 24th, 1956 and lived in Brooklyn, NY. She graduated from the New School with her master's degree in psychoanalysis, and retired from a 35 year long career with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals. Madeline served the Williamsburg, Brooklyn community at El Regresso Rehabilitation Center, helping women overcome drug addiction and domestic violence. Madeline is survived by her husband of 20 years, Ray, her daughter Gloria, her mother Aurora, her sister Ketty, and 2 grandchildren Ella (13) and Ethan (11).

Madeline had a strong interest in women's rights and empowerment, driving her love for Karate and self-defense. She earned a 2nd degree black belt in Shorin-Ryu, and held self-defense classes at her workplace for women struggling to overcome trauma. Madeline was an integral part of various mental health support groups, for many years.

Madeline was so many things to so many people, and worked hard to achieve the things that were important to her. Madeline and Ray loved their grandchildren more than life itself, taking them everywhere they could for fun, cultural enrichment, and learning, from pumpkin picking, museum trips, Broadway plays, to zoos, sleepovers, movies, you name it. They attended many of their soccer and softball games, camp events, dance recitals and school graduations. And of course, grandma's pasta was always made fresh and waiting for them.

Madeline was a NYC girl – loved music, loved the arts, loved theatre, loved movies, loved diversity. She loved animals, donating to animal charities every month, and adopted a brother and sister pair as kittens which she cared for, for many years. She loved her grandchildren's dog, calling out "Dexi-darling!" when she visited.

What made Madeline special was her capacity to love unconditionally and demonstrated her love everyday. She forgave easily, always offered to help in anyway, and included others in sharing the events of her life. Madeline shared honestly and openly about herself and was funny and colorful, often telling jokes where laughter would erupt in advance of the punchline. She loved hugs, kisses, and always wanted people to know that her deepest wish was that those around her would be "taken care of". As Madeline's health declined, she even showed this for healthcare workers and aids alike, reaching out for hugs and telling them how much she appreciated them. Yes, love was what made Madeline so special. She will always be missed, and will always be seen in the presence of the things she loved.

Funeral Services