Helen Renae Erickson

Helen was born to the late Violet Marie (Mastros) and Lloyd Erickson on December 6th, 1945 in San Diego, California. Shortly after graduating from Clairemont High School she met and married George Novak in 1964. In 1968 she gave birth to their daughter, Sina and the family moved to Florida in 1970. She is survived by her sister, Judy Buermann of Yakama, WA, her daughter Sina and son-in-law Brian Nowak of Lake Worth, her three grandchildren, Kirsten, Krystal and Bryan and three step children from her second marriage, Steven Willis, Toni Pruetzel, and Donna Sams.

A caregiver of many throughout her life, Helen was employed as a nanny, a waitress, an administrative assistant and a companion to others. Her most cherished role however, was helping care for her three grandchildren.

She was an important member of Florida Gardens Baptist Church, where she attended for over 25 years.

She was known as the “prayer warrior”, and sent cards, often hand made, to fellow members for birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Helen volunteered her time visiting others at nursing homes and hospitals and assisted with the South Florida fair ministry for 19 years. Sharing the love of Christ with everyone she met, there wasn’t a life she touched that wasn’t improved by her kindness, generosity and love. She enjoyed playing games like Yahtzee, Sorry and Rummy 500 with her grandchildren and friends and loved to sing and dance.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 6th from 6-8 p.m. at Dorsey E. Earl Smith funeral home in Lake Worth, FL and a Celebration of her life will be held on March 7th at 1:00 p.m. at Florida Gardens Baptist Church in Lake Worth.

If so desired, in lieu of flowers, please donate to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at www.pancan.org.