Madeleine Garbarino's Obituary
Madeleine Theresa Garbarino “The Parade Lady”
Madeleine T. Garbarino best known as “The Parade Lady” passed away
peacefully at home on April 2nd after a brief illness. Madeleine founded and
choreographed the annual Lake Worth Christmas Parade into an iconic
highlight event of the holiday season. No one ever missed the Lake Worth
Christmas Parade. They were often three hours long! School marching
bands, local dignitaries, Shriners, amazing Grand Marshalls, TV stars, floats
and surprises, under Madeleine’s masterful direction drew crowds in the tens
of thousands to downtown Lake Worth for over 44 years. It wasn’t Christmas
in Lake Worth until Madeleine appeared in a golf cart donning her sequined
hat and whistle followed by her many parade captains assisting her. She was
also responsible for arranging the St. Patrick’s Day and Veteran’s Day parades
in Lake Worth and the nightly parades at the South Florida Fair.
Born in Binghamton, NY., she attended college in Syracuse and relocated to
Lake Worth where she lived since 1962. Professionally, she was well
accomplished having spent 22 years at the Commerce National/First
American Bank in Lake Worth as Vice President of Marketing. She was the
manager of the Barnett Executive Suites on Singer Island and many years as
concierge of The Carlisle Palm Beach in Manalapan.
Madeleine made a deep and memorable imprint on the hearts of every single
person she met and those who were unknowingly the recipients of her
ingenuity and kindness. While her witty sense of humor added to her
magnetism, it was never overshadowed by what was truly beneath it all, an
overwhelming spirit of hospitality that overflowed from her genuine love of
people.
She is predeceased by her parents and brothers Vincent and Ed. She is
survived by her brother Joseph Garbarino, Sr. of Binghamton, NY, several
nieces, nephews, and many lifelong friends.
A memorial service will he held Wednesday, April 17, 2019 arrival 10:30 a.m.,
mass at 11:00 a.m. and a celebration of life luncheon at 12:00 noon - Holy
Spirit Catholic Church, 1000 W. Lantana Rd., Lantana FL 33462.
In lieu of flowers, Madeleine asked that donations be made to Holy Spirit
Catholic Church in Lantana.
What’s your fondest memory of Madeleine?
What’s a lesson you learned from Madeleine?
Share a story where Madeleine's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Madeleine you’ll never forget.
How did Madeleine make you smile?