Janice Marie Novak

Janice Marie Novak

Beaverton, Ore.

Every once in a while, God decides to send down one of his own to make earth a little nicer. On Christmas 2022 while in her sleep, he took back Jan Novak, one of his earth angels.

Jan was born Janice Marie George to Darrell and Virginia George on Oct. 30, 1946, in Shenandoah, Iowa. Her parents moved to Shellsburg, Iowa, and Jan graduated from Shellsburg High School in 1964. Jan and David R. Novak were married Oct. 21, 1967, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and recently celebrated 55 years of marriage. Jan called Dave, the love of her life through all 55 years. They had three children, Wendy, who married David Butkovich in Lebanon, Ore., Shane Novak who resides in Beaverton, Ore., and Tammy who preceded Jan in death.

Jan started her nursing career when she was 14. She was called a candy striper due to the stripes in the uniform and after 46 years of working only in hospitals, she retired after 36 years as an RN at Meridian Park Hospital. She really missed her co-workers and patients.

Jan wanted to see Alaska while it was still there and visited twice. She saw a few nice spots in Europe and loved the Oregon coast.

Jan was preceded in death by daughter, Tammy; both parents; grandparents, Russell and Ellen Porter; and her brother, Bruce George.

Jan has a beloved sister, Susan Rork (Jerry) living in Pontiac, Ill.; an aunt, Carolyn (Porter) Howland in Utah; and a cousin, Brenda (Dennis) Stockberger in Utah.

Mom “ Thank you for bringing me into this world and all that you taught me with your admirable class and style. Thank you so much for everything and I am the woman I am today because of you. No words can describe how much you mean to me and how much it means to me to have you as my Mom. I have and will love you constantly and continually. With love your baby girl, Wendy.

Visitation: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 23, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cedar Rapids. Burial will follow the visitation at Rogers Grove Cemetery in Ely, Iowa.

Jan would appreciate any donations to go to her favorite charity that makes sure those who are mentally ill get their timely medications. Sequoia Mental Health, 4585 SW 185th Ave, Aloha, OR 97078.

Please share a memory of Jan at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.