Novak, Laurel

Laurel M. Novak,83, of Peoria, IL formerly of Pueblo, Co died at 7:05 A.M. Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at the Heartland Manor Care Center, Peoria.            

She was born April 30, 1926 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania the daughter of Carl and Ann (Dempsey) Tavenner. 

Laurel married David J. Novak in New Mexico on August 31, 1950 and he died January 31, 2004.

Laurel was an elementary teacher for over 30 years.  She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Pueblo, Delta Kappa Gamma and P.E.O Chapter DU.  Laurel was a life-long learner and teacher, she would be proud to see her grandchildren were carrying on those same traits.

Survivors include her two sons, Michael J. (Kathi)  Novak of Brussels Belgium, Patrick D. (Idelle) Novak of Denver, Co; one daughter, Rebecca Novak of Portland, OR; 9 grandchildren, Janel Novak, David Novak, Frances Novak, Christopher Novak, Kaitlyn Novak, Kevin Novak, Scott Hultgren and Eric Hultgren; two great grandchildren, Psye Brownlow and Garreret Brownlow.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one brother Eugene F. Tavenner and one sister Eileen Swartout.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service and burial in Roselawn Cemetery, Pueblo, Co will take place at a later date.  Memorials may be given to the Pueblo Zoo, Pueblo Nature Center or the Friends of the Children of Haiti, Peoria, IL.  Hoover-Hall Memorial Chapel, Monmouth is in charge of the local arrangements

Online condolences may left at hooverhall.com.