Ellen Marie Novak

Ellen Marie Novak, 89, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012, surrounded by her loving family. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 7, at the Sharon United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Donald E. Novak; a son, Donald (Sue) Novak; daughter, Kathleen (Steve) Weiss; and a sister, Ida Carnell all of Cedar Rapids; many loving nieces and nephews; and the Novak grandcats.

She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Edward, Albert, Ben and Earl McDonough; one sister, Emma Hesse; and a very special cat named Elmo.

Ellen Marie Novak was born Jan. 23, 1923, in Cedar Rapids, the daughter of Harry and Minnie Mahnke McDonough. She was united in marriage to Donald E. Novak on March 21, 1947, in Cedar Rapids. Ellen was a life long resident of Cedar Rapids and a member of the Sharon United Methodist Church. She enjoyed baking, cooking, making animal fleece blankets and being a grandmother to her many Novak grandcats. She was known as special “Nanny” to her nieces and nephews, whom she loved like they were her own children. She will forever be remembered for her kind smile and her love given to all.

As Nanny would always say, “Say your prayers.”

The family would like to thank Tina Sykora and family for their compassion and support throughout Ellen’s illness.

Memorials in Ellen’s honor may be directed to the Sharon United Methodist Church.

Please leave a message, tribute or memory to Ellen’s family at the website, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.

Published in The Gazette Dec. 5, 2012.