Mary Louise (Petersen) Novak

MARY LOUISE (PETERSEN) NOVAK

Cedar Rapids

Mary Louise Novak, 77, passed away Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House. Mary requested no services. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Cedar Rapids Christian Church.

Survivors include her five children, Lisa Sinak (Bill), Karla Novak (Tom), Ann Hoefer (Tim), John Novak and Steven Novak (Stefanie); one brother, Jim Petersen (Shirley); and 15 grandchildren, Allie, Tyler, Julianne, Olivia, Claire, Sam, Simon, Will, Zachary, Reegan, Kate, Aubrey, Mya, Rylen and Greylee; one great-grandson, Ari, and a great-grandson and great-granddaughter on the way, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, one brother, and an infant daughter and son.

Mary Lou was born on Dec. 19, 1943, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the daughter of Otto and Margaret (Usher) Petersen. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1961. Mary had a career in retail beginning at Jacks Discount, Shopko, and later retiring from Dollar Tree. Mary loved the casinos, specifically playing the penny slots. She loved Westerns, game shows, Barry Manilow, the Bee Gees, and Dancing with the Stars.

She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society (www.donate3.cancer.org), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (www2.jdrf.org), or a charity of your choice.

A special thank-you to the following for their care and support; Dr. Boyles and Staff, Dr. Wilbur and Hall-Perrine Staff, Mercy Pulmonology Clinic, Mercy Home Health Care, Mercy Palliative Care Team, Oldorf Hospice House Staff, and the many Mercy Hospital nurses.