Mary Malafi Stiles Baldwin died on August 12 after a long struggle with cancer. She was 76. Although diagnosed with terminal cancer five years ago, survivors said that she remained vigorous and active until the last several weeks.
Born to August and Catherine Malafi on September 23, 1931, in Shamokin, Pennsylvania where she graduated from high school, she moved shortly thereafter to New York City where she eventually established a highly successful executive recruiting firm, Baldwin Stiles and Associates with her second husband Ted Baldwin. In the 1970s, the couple built a second home in Springs. After her husband’s death in 1976, she remained active in business, moved to Springs permanently in 1989, but continued to work for New York City firms until several weeks before her death.
According to survivors, she was a lively, gregarious and generous lady who attacked all of her projects with gusto. A cook, gardener and working woman, her passions included reading, crossword puzzles and the game show Jeopardy—survivors said that no friend would dare call while that show was on.
In addition to her husband, she is predeceased by two brothers, Joseph and Hillary. She is survived by a stepson Jeffery Baldwin of Boston and several nieces.
A private memorial will be held on September 27 in East Hampton. In lieu of flowers, donations to East End Hospice, P.O. Box 1048, Westhampton Beach, NY 11978 or the American Association of University Women, c/o Treasurer A.J. Bird, 13638 North New Castle Drive, Suite 163, Sun City, AZ 85351 would be appreciated by the family.
on Sep 8, 2008