MaryAnn Novak, 84, of Huntley, IL, died peacefully on April 14, 2024.
MaryAnn was born in Cicero, IL on January 9, 1940, to parents Frank and Sylvia (nee Maras) Wernisch. She met the love of her life Robert Novak, through family friends, and began writing letters (some novels) while Robert served in the Navy. They met during Navy leaves, and once home from the Navy they were engaged in1963. They married on August 1, 1964.
They moved to their dream house in Hanover Park, IL on Laurel Avenue in 1967, where they raised their two children, Jim and Beth. MaryAnn worked in-home jobs so she could shop for antiques and other decorations to fill their home. MaryAnn’s whole life was caring for her family and the family dog, Miss Priss. They moved to Del Webb in Huntley, IL in 2001.
MaryAnn was passionate about antiquing with her children and other family members. She passed this tradition down to her daughter, daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and nieces. MaryAnn found great pleasure in collecting Lee Middelton and Ashton Drake newborn dolls. She kindly passed one each down to the girls in her life. She loved to complete word searches, a favorite Christmas gift to give her, playing solitaire at the kitchen table and winning every 500 Rummy game she challenged her family to while snacking on her Jelly Belly candies and Fannie May Buttercreams. She shared a love for Kathy Riechs and David Baldacci books with her son, Jim. MaryAnn became an avid golf fan while watching with her husband, Bob. We all knew that Rory Mcllroy was not her favorite, a Dim Wit, as she would say to us.
Most importantly MaryAnn was the biggest cheerleader for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren, most importantly spoiling each one of them. She was excited when they called or came to visit. She loved attending sports events for Zachariah, Hannah, and Ryan, as well as Hannah’s EYSO orchestra concerts, and listening to her playing the violin. She loved seeing and playing with her great-grandchildren. She was always concerned and worried for everyone’s well being and cheered their success. She touched so many lives and will be deeply missed by all.
MaryAnn is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, Robert Novak, her children, James “Jim” (Sherri) Novak, and Elizabeth “Beth” (Steven) Kolbusz, her grandchildren, Zachariah (Andie) Novak, Hannah Kolbusz, and Ryan Kolbusz, her great-grandchildren, Emmersyn, Easton and Everett, her sisters, Kathy (Steve) Urban, and Louise “Marge” Ventrella, and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her siblings, Rosemary Braun, and Frank Robert “Butch” Wernisch.
Visitation will be Saturday, April 20, 2024, from 11 a.m. to time of Service 2 p.m. all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in MaryAnn’s name can be made to the American Cancer Society https://www.cancer.org/ or the American Heart Association https://www.heart.org
For further information, please contact the DeFiore Funeral Home 847-515-8772
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Bob,All my sympathy on her passing. Talked and laughed with her at our many golf parties. I know you will miss her.
Bob, We are so sorry for your loss and we saw the love and happiness you both brought in every time you came into Brunch!
My condolences on the passing of your wife Bob. I would have gone to the wake but I have a wedding to go to. Again very sorry for your loss. Ron
Bob, many times at various functions, we sat and talked with MaryAnn and you. A most pleasant passing of time and friendship. We will miss her as, we are sure, you will, as well. Our sincere condolences and prayers for both you and her.