Joan Mildred Mckelley Novak

Joan Mildred McKelley Novak (23 percent Irish – DNA Certified) died in her North Canton home on Monday surrounded by her loving family. Her death followed a two year courageous battle with oral cancer. She loved God and His entire creation. She loved! She loved people, nature and she loved to have fun. Until the time of her death she gave of herself in so many different ways. She will be dearly missed by all her knew her. Joan was a 1959 graduate of Timken Vocational High School, 1962 graduate of the Aultman Hospital School of Nursing and retired as a Registered Nurse from Saint Luke Lutheran Home. She was a member of Saint Paul Catholic Church (North Canton), St. Paul's Women's Guild, North Canton Garden Club, Beech Creek Botanical Garden, Friends of Stark Parks, Hoover Dinner Club, Lunch Ladies North Canton YMCA and card club. Survived by her husband of 51 years, Edward P. Novak, five children, Steve (Kelly) Novak of Villa Hills, Kentucky, Diane (John Yapelli) Novak of Evanston, Illinois, Dave (Becky) Novak of Newport, Kentucky, Kevin (Mandy) Novak of Evanston, Illinois and Julie (Gil) Gillespie of Ashville, North Carolina, five grandchildren, Maria, Joe, Ben and Jessie Novak and Grayson Gillespie, sister-in-law, Alice Perl of Massillon and five nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by a grandson, Spencer Novak and parents, Knute and Mildred McKelley. To our friends and neighbors thank you for your prayers, cards, flowers, company you have provided during Joan's journey. Thank you also to the clergy, ministry and members of Saint Paul Catholic Church for providing spiritual support and direction. A special thank you to the Aultman Home Hospice team for your care and compassion. You were there for us each step of the way. Family and friends will meet on Saturday at 10 a.m. at Saint Paul Catholic Church (North Canton) for a Mass of Christian Burial with Monsignor James Clarke as celebrant. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Lamiell Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Paul Catholic Church. In memory of Joan share your love.