Vivian Baldovin

Baldovin, Vivian (Hubal) GUILDERLAND Vivian Hubal Baldovin, of Guilderland, age 85, died peacefully November 12, 2007 after a seven-month battle with pancreatic cancer. Born in New York City, she was the daughter of the late Anton and Ruzena Hubal, Czech immigrants. Vivian was very proud of her Czech heritage. She was married twice, to the late Fred (Fiori) Baldovin and the late Irwin Wax. Vivian often remarked half-seriously that it was better to have a dog than a husband. She is survived by her children, Thomas Baldovin of Delmar, Dr. Donald Baldovin and Janet Baldovin of New York City, Barbara Del Medico of Fla., and eight grandchildren. She worked at times as a secretary but devoted much of her life to raising her children and helping to raise grandchildren. A beautiful woman in her youth, she was once crowned Miss Subway, her face gracing subway car billboards in NYC. Later, she had a short career as a model for the New York Times. Although she had limited college experience, she was well-learned, an avid reader and had a sharp and witty mind until her death. A smart real estate buyer, she acquired homes in Douglaston and Belle Harbor, N.Y., and Naples, Fla. She was particularly interested in world politics and loved opera. She taught her children the need for education and a strong work ethic, for which they are most grateful. Until cancer took its toll, she was physically very active, looking many years younger than her actual age. At the age of 40, she took up water- and snow-skiing; at the age of 50, bicycling; and at 70 she tried wind surfing. Her greatest sorrow, along with the death of her parents, was the loss of her only sibling, Ernest Hubal, a young Navy sailor who died in combat during World War II. Her great joy and passion in life were her dogs, having owned at least one throughout her whole life. Her favorite was a Dachshund named Willie who died earlier this year. A service will be held for her December 1, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, 2291 Western Avenue, Guilderland. In lieu of flowers, contributions to her memory may be sent to Tiny Paws Wet Noses Rescue, 1040 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880. To leave a special message for the family online, visit NewcomerFamily.com