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Irene Augusta "Gus" Nowak EVANSTON, IL - On August 3, 2018, while listening to Nat King Cole sing "Stardust," Irene Augusta (Gus) Nowak passed away in Evanston, IL, surrounded by members of her family. Born in Gary, IN, on August 10, 1922, Irene was a proud eastsider, longtime resident of Rhode Island Street, and graduate of Emerson High School. She and her dear husband Chester moved to Dune Acres in 1970 and resided there until he passed away in November 2003. Always an independent lady, in 2006 she moved to Valparaiso, first to Meridian Woods and then to Pines Village. After a debilitating stroke she moved to Symphony of Evanston. Irene was preceded in death by her husband Chester Nowak and son John Nowak (Barbara). She is survived by daughters Michel Lynn Inaba of Berkeley, CA and Janna Caldarelli (David) of Evanston, IL, son Paul Nowak (Beth) of Valparaiso, IN, and sister Violet Patricia Pavel of Hobart, IN. She is also survived by grandchildren Deborah Rapacz (Tony), Rebecca Augdahl (Dan), Leslie Granchalek (Aleksandr), Megan Hunter (Todd), Adam Caldarelli (Claire), Ian Inaba, Christopher Nowak, Katie Nowak, and Evan Nowak, as well as eight great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Irene graduated from Indiana University with a Master of Science in Education in 1971 and taught in the Gary School System. She was an avid reader, a supporter of the library, and an active volunteer in adult literacy. She participated in the League of Women Voters and was passionate about Save the Dunes. She was a lifelong learner and educator, reflective in her decision to donate her body to medical science. A love of dance, music, and theater began in childhood and continued throughout her life. She hoped that Chester was working on his dance lessons in heaven. She will be deeply missed by all her knew her. As she wanted, a celebration lunch will be held for family and friends. Please join us at 1:00 p.m., Sunday, September 16, 2018, at the Shorewood Forest Clubhouse, 410 Shorewood Court, Valparaiso, IN. Those who so desire may make donations to Save the Dunes (savedunes.org) or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (jdrf.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
I remember Aunt Gus fondly. She's the final member of the Nowak siblings to join the family in eternity - Mac and Jen, Helen and Bill, and Chet and Irene (also Toni and Mike, and John). I'm sure it's a happy reunion.
Linda Burdick
September 11, 2018
Dear Michel, My deepest sympathies go out to you and your extended family. Your mother sounded like a vibrant and active lady, no wonder her daughter is too!
Love, Jeannine Patria
Jeannine Patria
September 10, 2018
Blessings on you ,dear departed.
Rest In Peace my friend
Lorna
Lorna Gayle
Friend
September 3, 2018
Life with purpose.
Brenda Garrett-Jordan
Friend
August 15, 2018
Such a Great Lady!
Eva & Hugh Hopkins
August 13, 2018
Irene was an outstanding member of our Sons of Norway lodge, Scandiana, in Chesterton. She will truly be missed. We extend our prayers and sympathy to her family.
Darlene Henderson
Friend
August 13, 2018
My deepest sympathy to your family in the loss of first, John then your mom, Irene. Such a great lady!
Marianne Gillum
August 12, 2018
May God bless you & keep you.
May his face shine upon you & give you rest Durning this most difficult time. Mark & Betty Urso
Betty Urso
Friend
August 11, 2018
Saw a cloud formation last night where the layers of dark rainclouds were pierced by a white cloud that looked like a mountaintop covered in snow. It was brilliantly illuminated by the sun above the dense cloud layer. Where I was standing it was dark, dreary, and threatening. Yet, looking up, I could see that that was not really true. At higher elevations, there were no dark clouds, only sunshine. Maybe there is a heaven for those who let themselves rise above earthly limits. Maybe, just maybe, after you've lived a long and good life, you will belong to the sunshine.
Michel Inaba
Family
August 10, 2018
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