Novak, Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen Novak, 66, of Marion, formerly of Cedar Rapids, lost her short but graceful battle with cancer on June 13, 2013, while at home and with her family by her side. A memorial visitation will be from 4 until 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 17, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home, Cedar Rapids, with a rosary to be said at 7 p.m. A private graveside service will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum, Cedar Rapids.

She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Michael D. Novak; a daughter, Heather Larson of Cedar Rapids; two sons, Matthew (Jessie) of Chicago and Anthony (Staci) of Marion; and four grandchildren, Logan, Michael, Mya and Anora (with a fifth due any day).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Peggy A. Curtright and William G. Davenport.

Mary was born Jan. 13, 1947, in San Francisco, Calif. She graduated from Regis High School in Cedar Rapids in 1965 and attended courses at UNI and Kirkwood. Mary married Michael D. Novak on Jan. 5, 1974, at St. Ludmila's Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. She worked for several local businesses over the years, lately in human resources for Alpha International Inc. and CEI Equipment.

Mary loved spending time with her family and dearly loved all of her grandchildren. She adored animals, especially all the pet dogs she owned over the years, and also enjoyed bird watching, gardening, and traveling to Florida.

Memorials in Mary's name can be made to Hospice of Mercy and Cedar Valley Humane Society.

Please leave an online condolence for the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published June 16, 2013 in The Gazette