Mary C Novak

Age 77, of Sewickley, went home peacefully to the Lord, May 26, 2012, her family at her side. Mary was formerly of Ingomar and also a long time resident of Gibsonia. Beloved wife of 42 years of the late John C. Novak, who died May 24, 1995. Mary was born August 30,1934 at Pittsburgh's Terrace Village in the Hill District, the third child of Albert C. Hill and Catherine Stanton Hill, who died in Mary's delivery. Mary was raised by friends and relatives until her father remarried. On April 18, 1953, just shy of 19, she married John C. Novak. She is survived by her son, Michael Novak and his wife, Mitzie Slagel Novak of Franklin Park; and her daughter, Deborah and her husband, George Crain of Murrysville; she is also survived by her beloved granddaughter, Thea Slagel Novak; beloved step-grandchildren, Jon Crain (Sara), Karina Crain, Ben Crain (Andrea), and Zack Crain. She has three step-great-grandchildren, Dylan, Eli, and Dharma; along with many loving nieces and nephews. Mary also leaves behind siblings, Robert Hill of San Francisco, Trudy Bauder of Portersville, Pennsylvania, Sandy Blondell and Max Hill, both of Phoenix, Arizona. Her first son, also named Michael, preceded her in death in 1954. Mary and John moved to Gibsonia in 1955. Mary was a devoted homemaker, raising her young children, canning, and becoming an expert seamstress. In 1968, Mary and John, along with their partners, purchased their first business, The Fox Trot Inn, located in the town of McCandless. Mary and John worked very hard and long hours in the business, until in 1978, they purchased Kennedy's Bar, now known as The Pines Tavern. They, along with their son Michael and dedicated staff, grew The Pines Tavern into a favorite neighborhood restaurant. Mary also assisted with the start-up, operation and management of North Star Market until her retirement in 2002. In her leisure time, Mary was involved in the Richland Civic Club, The Trading Post, and she volunteered many hours in the recovery room at UPMC Passavant Hospital. She belonged to, and traveled with, the 50 and Over Club at St. Alexis Church in Wexford. Mary had a great love of gardening and also needlepoint, creating numerous pieces that will now be treasured memories. Perhaps her most enduring hobby was that of antique collecting. Buying her first piece from a neighbor in 1964, until she could no longer drive, Mary made the rounds to visit antique shops, flea markets, and garage sales. She read, studied books, and became well-versed in many areas of collecting, including toys and Duncan Miller; an interest she has passed on to her children. A celebration of her life will be held at Orchard Hill Church, 2551 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090 on Saturday, June 2, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. Visitation one hour prior to service, 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. All family and friends are invited. The family would like to thank all the staff at Concordia Franklin Park, and Odyssey Hospice for their unending care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary's honor can be made to: Eleos (MERCY) North Hills, Orchard Hill Church, 2551 Brandt School Road, Wexford, PA 15090 or Odyssey Hospice, 103 Bilmar Dr., Pittsburgh, PA, 15205. Arrangements by H. P. BRANDT FUNERAL HOME, INC., 412-364-4444. Online condolences may be sent to:

www.brandtfuneralhome.com