Harriet Nowadzky

HARRIET MARY NOWADZKY

Cedar Rapids

Harriet Mary Nowadzky, 88, of Cedar Rapids, passed away Friday, June 23, 2017,

at UnityPoint-St. Luke's Hospital following a brief illness. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. Ludmila Catholic Church. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, and after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the church. A rosary will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral chapel followed by a parish vigil service at 7:30 p.m. There will be a private burial service at St. John's Cemetery at a later date.

Harriet is survived by her two sons, Roger Nowadzky of Des Moines and Rodney (Teresa) Nowadzky of Castle Rock, Colo.; four granddaughters, Jill Montegna, Brooke, Allison and Elizabeth Nowadzky; one grandson, Robert Nowadzky; two great-granddaughters, Zoey and Daisy Nowadzky; one great-grandson, Caleb Montegna; and a brother, Marvin Kacer of Cedar Rapids.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 68 years, James; her parents, John and Jessie Kacer; and her sister-in-law, Patricia Kacer.

Harriet Mary Nowadzky was born Sept. 20, 1928, in Little Turkey, Iowa, the daughter of John and Jessie Kacer. She graduated from Wilson High School in January 1947 and attended Cedar Rapids Business College. On July 12, 1947, Harriet was united in marriage to James R. Nowadzky at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. She was a stay-at-home mom until her sons attended high school. She was actively involved in all of their sports and activities. Harriet also enjoyed spending summers with her family at their family resort "Fisherman's Paradise" on Nelson Lake at Hayward, Wis.

In 1968, Harriet attended Kirkwood Community College and was employed by Montgomery Elevator Company (Kone Inc.) as a branch secretary for 22 years, retiring in 1989. After retirement, she and Jim moved to Panama City Beach, Fla., where she was very active in the Women's Civic Club, Noah's Ark Senior Center and St. Bernadette Catholic Church.

In May 2005, Harriet and Jim returned to Cedar Rapids, due to Jim's declining health. In Cedar Rapids, she was a member of St. Ludmila Catholic Church, St. Ann's Circle and the church's Resurrection Choir.

Harriet was a true sports enthusiast, bowling, golfing, basketball and football. She was an avid Hawkeye and Green Bay Packer fan. Harriet enjoyed all sports, traveling, spending time with her family and the many friendships she made over the years.

Harriet was Jim's caregiver for many years and helped nurture and support him through declining health. Harriet's strength was in her faith, family and friendships.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established and contributions may be directed to the family.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.papich-kubafs.com under "obituaries."