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Linda Novak

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LINDA NOVAK

August 27, 1950 - November 16, 2020

 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Linda Novak on Monday, November 16, at the age of 70.

 

Linda leaves behind to cherish and carry her memory, her daughter Terri (Johnny - Alyssa and Brett), her grandchildren Joshua, Noah and Payton and her son-in-law Darren.  She also leaves behind her sister Evelyn, brother Sam (Kathy), sister Bernice, and numerous nieces and nephews and extended family.  She was predeceased by her husband Mike, daughter Tracy and mother and father, Sophie and Bill.

 

Linda wanted to say good-bye and to share some personal thoughts to be included in her obituary…..

“Hi everyone.  I wanted to say to my family, friends and everyone that I had the pleasure to know, how much you all mean to me !!  You have all made an impact on my life and I hope that I have done the same for all of you.  My life was so full because of how much each of you contributed to my joys and how much you supported me in my sorrows.

It is amazing when I think back to how much, and how quickly, my life changed from the time growing up on Alfred Avenue in the North End to building my life with my soulmate, Michael and soon to follow, our two precious girls, Terri and Tracy.

Mom and dad never had a car, so Evelyn, Sam, Bernice and I would either take a bus or walk to wherever we had to go.  That was probably why I always loved walking.  We all wore out plenty of shoe leather going mostly to grandma Kowalyk’s and to church.  Those visits were the reason why I ended up with such strong love of family and my deep faith.  The North End provided a great place to grow up in so many ways.  My many lifelong friends and life lessons proved invaluable in building our community and core values.  We sure had a lot of fun, from playing dodgeball and hide-and-seek, or just dreaming about tomorrows.

I met the love of my life, Michael, at an early age and our lifelong journey began.  With Mike by my side we persevered and overcame many obstacles.  We shared a life of love and laughter for 44 years of marriage until his passing in 2011.

Camping became a big part of our summers, from pitching a tent in various campgrounds throughout Manitoba, to when we bought our 1959 International truck camper.  We upgraded a few times with bigger and better trailers until eventually purchasing our cabin at Nutimik Lake in the Whiteshell.  No more seasonal draws and storing trailers for the winter.  What a great place for Terri and Tracy to grow up and for Mike and me to relax and enjoy great friends.  The friendships we all made have continued throughout the years and remain to this day.  I would like to send a special thank you to my friends for inviting me out to Nutimik after I sold the cottage, especially when my health issues started.

I worked a variety of jobs before landing my position with the Government of Manitoba, starting in Fisheries and retiring almost 40 years later from Parks.  I was the Special Programs Coordinator and ran the Provincial Seasonal Camping draws for years.  I had the honor of working with so many talented people that gave me the opportunity to grow and to become someone who was proud of what I did and how I did it.  I always cherished the many special friendships that I made during my career.

When my brother Sam married Kathy, we found a common love of travel and took many trips together.  Hawaii and Barbados became two of our favorite destinations.  Barbados was always a very special place to Mike and me.  So many great memories with wonderful people!

Family functions were always memorable and a big part of my life.  Mike’s family celebrations at his mother’s house (Babcia’s), including Christmas and Easter, were always very special for our family.  My family parties, which there were many, in front of Sam and Kathy’s bar, on Darren and Tracy’s deck, and more recently, by Terri and Johnny’s firepit (which usually brought out the higher end bottles of wine), were always so much fun!  We shared many memories and laughed and cried together.  Every moment with family was very precious.

In 2009 Mike’s health took a turn.  It was something that no one could have ever imagined.  After a long, hard battle Mike lost his fight with colon cancer in November of 2011.  I had a tremendous support group of friends and family, especially my two daughters, Terri and Tracy, Johnny, Darren, and my awesome grandchildren Joshua, Noah and Payton. 

In 2015 another unthinkable event occurred.  My youngest daughter Tracy was diagnosed with Leukemia.  She fought hard but lost her courageous battle in March of 2016.  My life would never be the same.  These tremendous losses were devastating and I have been able to continue, I believe, because of my faith.  I will never pretend to understand Gods plan but remain steadfast in my beliefs no matter what. 

As most are aware I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May of 2020.  I chose to live the remainder of my days in the best quality of life that I possibly could and enjoy the people that I love.  I truly believe that I accomplished that.  My summer was filled with special times, special people and special places.

Please do not be sad.  I lived a truly rich life which I am eternally grateful for.  I would have loved more time but my heart is full because of spending the time I had with all of you.  I consider myself very blessed.  My message to you all is to enjoy the life that you have been given.  It is the only one that you get and don’t take it for granted.  Don’t put off that trip or whatever it is that you have planned.  Take time to tell all those around you how much they matter and how much you love them.  You can never say it enough. 

Until we meet again …… I love you all !”

 

A special thank you to Father Sam Argenziano for his visits, his spiritual guidance, his great stories and lots of laughs.

To our friends and family, who were constantly there by her side, words cannot express the love and appreciation for what you all did. 

Having my mom at home would not have been possible without the constant care, love and support from the staff of the WHRA Palliative Care Program.  Special thanks to Dr. R. McClure, Dominique and Angela who were my angels during this very difficult time.

In light of the current health crisis we are all in, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Mom, you were an extraordinary person

You are my pillar of strength

Your infectious laugh …

Your kindness and heart …

Your beautiful smile …

Your tenacity and strength …

Is something that will always be remembered

I take great comfort in knowing that you, dad and Tracy are all together watching over us

Our three angels ……

ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St, Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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