Obituary of Margaret Ondrako

Margaret Ondrako, of Binghamton, 66, passed away at her home on Saturday July 8, 2023. She was predeceased by her loving parents Edward T. and Mary Louise Ondrako, her grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. She is survived by four brothers and two sisters, Rev. Edward J. Ondrako, OFM Conv., Frances Simkulet (Ronald, deceased), John Ondrako (Mary Ann), William Ondrako, Mary Ann Ondrako (Donald M. Sukloff), and Richard Ondrako (Glenda Van Gesen); nephew, Ronald G. (Melissa) Simkulet Jr.; nieces, Christine Simkulet, Colleen (Ryan Miller) and Theresa Ondrako, and Julie and Kim (John Nguyen) Ondrako; great-nieces, Georgia and Zoe Simkulet, and Ava Miller; great-nephew, Gavin Miller; and several cousins. Margie was a lifelong member of SS. Cyril and Methodius Church. From a very early age, she participated in many programs for developmentally disabled individuals and was a founding recipient of the Broome Day Treatment (now Broome Day Services) program and enjoyed several friends there. When Margie was born, our Dad told us, "You have a special sister; she can never do anything wrong. She is a direct line from here to Heaven." Margie lived her life in this image and she was truly a joy and blessing to all who knew her. Margie fully and innocently enjoyed life, whether she was playing with her Tapper, eating ice cream or spaghetti and meatballs, or listening to rock and roll on her radio or at a concert—often simultaneously. She loved to be with her family and friends—time was always enhanced with music. Margie lived at home for 47 years, then resided for 10 years at a NY State Operated Individualized Residential Alternative (Chenango St., Binghamton, NY), and since 2015, at the Lancaster Drive SOIRA (Endicott, NY). The family wishes to thank all of the loving and compassionate Staff who have worked with Margie over many years to help make her life happy, healthy and more meaningful. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 9:30-11:00AM at SS. Cyril and Methodius Church, 148 Clinton St., Binghamton, NY, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00AM offered by her brother and Msgr. John Putano. Burial will be in the Slovak Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made, in Margie's memory, to Broome Day Services, 67 Riverside Drive, Binghamton, NY 13905.