Mrs. Albina (Vivoda) Klobas

NEW HARTFORD – Mrs. Albina (Vivoda) Klobas, one month away from her 93rd birthday, went home to the Lord after a fulfilled life on Thursday, September 28, 2023, surrounded by her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. On the night of her passing, there was a “Bella Luna,” a sign to her family that she was truly at rest. Albina was born in Pinguente, Italy, now Buzet, Croatia on October 30, 1930 to the late Giuseppe and Maria (Pauletich) Vivoda. In 1955, Albina acquired a visa to come to the United States, settling in Utica with her sister and family who had already preceded her. A year later, her beloved Albino, to whom she had been engaged, was also able to emigrate to the United States to marry the love of his life. What a reunion! Albina and Albino were married on May 18, 1957 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Church. They were true partners in life’s endeavors. Both came from an incredible work ethic that they passed onto their daughters, which was a compliment and an accomplishment to them. They treasured one another and their love for each other was paramount. The couple shared a 38-year union blessed with commitment and devotion to one another until Albino’s passing on November 16, 1995. Albina was a meticulous seamstress by trade for many years. Her greatly skilled hands found her working for Benedict Danella’s furrier, as well as Mademoiselle Bridal Shop. Albina was selfless and with her family by her side, nothing could make her happier. She was humble, kind, with a soft soul and huge heart. Albina was tender mannered and reflected on the needs of others, which gave her satisfaction. Albina was a master in the kitchen. She could cook an entire meal from the wealth of her husband’s garden. She was truly a woman who made everything from scratch. She prepared recipes from her home region, including fresh fish dinners, gnocchi, her fresh tomato sauce, and vegetable dishes that were incredible. Albina dressed the table and did not begin eating until the entire family was together. Her love of food was a symbol of her devoted heart and motherly hands. In addition to cooking, her baking was phenomenal. Most of the time it was done without measurements and from recipes that were extremely vague! Only Albina could have pulled off perfect baking with such little information. Everyone was always excited to receive a care package from her filled with homemade goodies. Albina loved nature and always looked out for the many birds that came to her feeders. She also had a green thumb which allowed her to nurture plants with great care and success. Albina meticulously tended to her grape tomato plants, and as they matured she would hand them out with great pride to her friends and refer to them as “pieces of candy”. She was so proud of her harvest. Albina was an amazing mother whose words were wise and guidance for her family, first as a gracious gift for her children and then passed on to each generation. Even those yet to come will be able to learn from her. Albina was blessed with two pearls, her beautiful daughters and their husbands, Edvina and Daniel Bartlett and Adriana and David Kane. She was affectionately called “Nonna” and will always live in the hearts and be a peaceful memory to her grandchildren, Shannon and Aaron Mish, and Jesse Bartlett; Valerie Kane, and Ethan Kane; as well as her two great-grandchildren, James, and Owen Mish. Albina was preceded in death by her six siblings. She will live on in the hearts of multiple nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. Albina spent the past ten years at the Presbyterian Home for CNY where she took part in all of their activities and made many wonderful friends. It brought her joy to care for and be among others. She came to be known by the affectionate nickname of “Bina” and would always stop and chat with everyone. The family extends their gratitude to the entire staff of caregivers, the activity department, and fellow residents, who were all a part of helping Albina to be her very best at this time of her life. Please know how much you all meant to her. Thus, a great thank you to all. The family will honor and commemorate her life privately. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Albina’s Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of Life which will commence on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish, 648 Jay St., Utica. There will be an opportunity to greet the family at the conclusion of Mass. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Albina’s honor may be made to the Presbyterian Home for CNY online at www.communitywellnesspartners.org/presbyterian/donate or to St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish online at www.mountcarmelblessedsacrament.com or by mail to 648 Jay St., Utica, NY 13501; envelopes will also be available at the service.

Mrs. Albina (Vivoda) Klobas

October 30, 1930 - September 28, 2023