Carol L. Novak, 89, of LaPorte, Indiana, passed away Saturday, July 1st, 2023 at Baptist Health Hospital in Lexington, KY.
She was born in 1933 in Jamestown, NY, the daughter of Robert Crawford Snow and Venice (Strong) Snow-O'Neill.
A cheerleader and graduate of Randolph High School, NY, Class of 1951, Carol went to live and work in New Orleans, LA, then on to Chicago, IL, before marrying the late David Edward Novak on November 28th, 1953 in Michigan City, IN. Locally, Carol worked for the Herald Argus and finally the LaPorte County Public Library, where she retired in 1999. Carol loved life! She was a social butterfly and a friend to so many. Especially important to her were relationships with her "old lady friends", including the library gals, the YMCA gals and old friends from high school. Carol attended most of her high school reunions. Her 68th reunion in 2019 was her last.
Carol enjoyed quilting for much of her life, winning several blue ribbons at the County Fair and giving away many of her creations to her loved ones. She loved trying new things, and dabbled in organ playing, golfing and cross-country skiing. Carol and Dave were founding members of the Star Rights Square Dance Club and they loved to travel to various attractions around the USA. She was passionate about the arts and loved going to the LaPorte Little Theater, Concerts in the Park at Fox Park and the LaPorte County Symphony Orchestra. A longtime member of the YMCA, Carol religiously attended her group water aerobics class. Her favorite time, though, was spent with her family, playing cards and dice with them for hours.
She is survived by her son, Peter (Cassandra) Novak of Chattanooga, TN; daughter, Rebecca (Kenneth Leichtman) Novak of South Bend, IN; brother, Warren Duane Snow of Goose Creek, SC; three grandchildren, Terrence (Anita) Marvel of Phoenix, AZ; Rachel (Brad Stone) Novak of Miami, FL, Ayriel Novak of Chattanooga, TN; two great-grandchildren, Amanda Marvel and Rhys Batterson, and a large extended family.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 49 years, David; oldest daughter, Karen Eileen Novak; brother, Marion Snow and sister, Mary Benson.
Carol loved BRIGHT colors, especially RED! Friends and family are encouraged to wear bright colors to the celebration of her life.
Arrangements are being entrusted to Haverstock Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 602 Maple Avenue, LaPorte, IN. The family will receive friends for a visitation from 12:30-2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 8th, 2023 followed by a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Officiating will be Minister Pamela Smith, friend of Carol. Interment will be private at Pine Lake Cemetery, where she will be buried next to her husband.
