Joan C. Goodwin Baligian

Joan C. Baligian, 74

Troy - Joan C. Baligian, 74, of Knollwood Drive died Saturday, September,18 2010 at Albany Medical Center Hospital after a brief illness.

Born in Niagara Falls, NY, she was daughter of the late David Goodwin and the late Antonina Karminska Goodwin and husband of Ara Baligian of Troy where she spent most of her life.

In her youth she was cared for and influenced by a second family, the late Rene H. and Antoinette Caron.

After graduation she worked as a secretary until she married Ara and helped put him through college and became a wonderful mother and homemaker to their three children. Once her children had grown, Joan entered Hudson Valley Community College and earned an associate degree in Social Welfare, her bachelor's degree from the College of St. Rose and a Master's degree from SUNY Albany in Social Work.

It was then that Joan began her professional career as the head social worker for Whitney Young in Albany and later at the Family and Children's Service of Troy as the department Head of Social Work. Ultimately, she entered into private practice in her home for 15 years.

Joan was a member of St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church and its Adult Fellowship and the Ilium Literary Club. She was wonderful artist and enjoyed singing. She enjoyed gardening , classical music, fashion, reading mysteries, and traveling to Rhode Island and Florida. She loved all things beautiful. She will forever be remembered for her vivacious smile that captured the hearts of her family, friends and especially her grandchildren whom she dearly loved.

Survivors in addition to her beloved husband include her three children Cheryl (Mikhail) Mavashev of Halfmoon, Bethany (Gary) Leva of Clifton Park and David (Laura Lyons) Baligian, Scottsdale, AR; three grandchildren Angela and Justin Leva and Nikolai Mavashev; her brother William Goodwin and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother Edward Goodwin

The family wishes to thank the staff of the Surgical ICU of Albany Medical Center for their loving and professional care.

Funeral service will be held Wednesday at 9:15 AM at the Bryce Funeral Home, Inc. 276 Pawling Avenue Troy and at 10:00 AM at St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church Watervliet with Reverend Stephanos Doudoukjian, Pastor, officiating.

Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

Interment will be in Eagle Mills Cemetery Eagle Mills.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Joan C. Baligian to St. Peter Armenian Apostolic Church PO BOX 196 Watervliet, NY 12189.

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