A funeral Mass was said at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago for Kathleen Novak who passed away on January 23, 2021. She was a devoted sister and aunt. Originally from Geneva, Ohio, she graduated from Geneva High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from The Pennsylvania State University. She had an illustrious career holding executive positions for many prominent companies in the nutrition and wellness sector, namely Hershey, Kraft-Heinz, Nestle, and most recently with Tyson Foods in Chicago, Illinois. She was incredibly ambitious and saw the best in everyone.
She is preceded in death by her parents Mildred and Mirko Novak. She is survived by her four siblings Robert (Barbara) Novak of Saint Louis, Missouri; Mildred Novak of Concord, Ohio; Marguerite Martin of Monterey, California; and Roger Novak of North Kingsville, Ohio. She is also survived by two nieces Grace Martin of Erie, Pennsylvania and Marguerite (Ramon) Lamelas of Los Angeles, California. She was always involved in their lives, and many wonderful memories were made from the many holidays, celebrations, and trips they shared throughout the years.
She lived life to the fullest and loved to travel both domestically and internationally. She spent several years in Pasadena, California as well as Madison, New Jersey and Evanston, Illinois. She was an excellent cook who had a passion for enjoying the finer things in life. She loved art history and interior design. She had many friends from all backgrounds, and she was active in building and developing interpersonal relationships. She loved getting together with family and friends and cherished simple joys, including summers at Geneva-on-the-Lake.
She will be missed by everyone touched by her kind spirit.
Behm Family Funeral Home of Madison is assisting the family. Online obituary and condolences may be viewed at www.behmfuneral.com