Karen Jean Novak

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Karen Jean Novak. She went home to be with her Lord on October 12, 2024, surrounded by loved ones.

Karen was born on April 19, 1956, in Cumberland, Maryland, the fourth of five daughters born to William "Asher" Schoonover and Ruth (Ott) Schoonover. She is survived by loving husband Nick Novak, daughters Nikita Poland (Adam Murabito) and Jennifer Poland, sisters Diana Fritts, Mary Wilt, Sylvia Carr and Linda Harrison, as well as 8 nieces and nephews and 14 great nieces and nephews.

Karen graduated in 1974 from Ridgeley High School in Ridgeley, West Virginia, where she was a majorette and played clarinet in the concert band. She sang in the New Horizons gospel group from 1976 to 1980, as did some of her sisters. They performed at churches in West Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Kentucky.

After high school, Karen attended and graduated from Airline Flight Attendant College in Pittsburgh, PA, but went on to take a job as an assistant store manager at Hill's Department Stores, where she worked in several locations. Finally, she worked for many years as the Office Manager for Fastrack Construction near Philadelphia, PA. Often when people asked her what kind of work she did, she would say, "I work in construction", and wait for the inevitable surprised look before explaining that she worked in the office.

For many years as a single mom, she put her own life on hold and poured herself into raising her two daughters. They have many fond memories of movie nights on the fold-out couch, home-cooked meals on a weekend home from college, and hours spent playing puzzles and board games. It wasn't until they were grown that she started taking some time for herself. It was during this time that she met Nick, who would become her husband, friend and companion. Together they enjoyed biking, hiking, game nights, gardening, road trips, and dancing, especially country dancing.

During her early childhood years, she attended the EUB church on Knobley Hill Road in Ridgeley WV, which later became Holy Cross United Methodist in Carpendale, WV. In PA she attended Doylestown United Methodist Church, and after meeting Nick attended with him at Indian Valley Faith Fellowship in Harleysville, where she used her gift of organization to head up the kitchen committee.

All who knew her will remember her infectious sense of humor and her ability to brighten the moment. She is lovingly remembered by family for being the Fashion Show Host at the campfire, along with sister Linda, at the annual family reunion in Elkins, WV. In her last days on earth, as a fast-moving cancer stole her health, it could not conquer her sense of humor. She could still lighten the heart of concerned family members who came to visit her.

Karen lived simply and loved deeply. She won the heart of almost everyone she met. She will be dearly missed, but it's not hard to imagine her now brightening the day of those up in heaven.

All are invited on Friday, October 25 to Indian Valley Faith Fellowship, 190 Maple Ave., Harleysville, PA 19438, for a visitation from 6:30-8:30pm. The memorial service will happen at the church the following day, Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 11:00am. Interment will follow at Zion Memorial Gardens in Telford.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations supporting the Foundation for Women's Cancer.