Karen Eva Novak

Karen Eva Novak, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, in Smithfield, Virginia, at the age of 70. Born on March 8, 1955, in Claremont, New Hampshire, Karen lived a life marked by kindness, dedication, and a deep love for her family, her community, and God.

Karen devoted her professional life to nurturing young minds as a Kindergarten teacher at Gloucester County Public Schools. Her gentle spirit and patient nature left a lasting impact on countless children, many of whom remember her fondly as their first guide in the world of learning.

A woman of simple pleasures and wholesome values, Karen found joy in the natural world around her. She loved animals, especially cats, and was known for her tender care of them. Her passion for nature extended to long walks and helping with the family garden, where she and her late husband, Stephen Novak Jr., spent many happy hours together. While Karen tended to the plants, Stephen took pride in canning the fresh vegetables they grew, a testament to their shared love of the earth's bounty.

Karen was an active member of Cornerstone Fellowship Church in Mathews, VA, where she volunteered in the church nursery, sharing her warmth and compassion with the youngest members of the congregation. Her faith and commitment to service were central to her life, guiding her actions and inspiring those around her.

Karen pursued higher education with dedication, earning a Master's Degree in Education from Old Dominion University, which she used to enrich the lives of her students and community.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Paul Joly and Ruth Willard Joly; her beloved husband of 43 years, Stephen Novak Jr.; and her brothers, John and Paul McNair. Her memory will be cherished by her daughters, Olga Oswald and Sonja Novak; her grandson, Kevin Oswald; and her brother, Wesley McNair, along with numerous friends and former students who were touched by her gentle spirit.

In keeping with her wishes, services will be private, allowing her family to honor her life in a manner that reflects her down-to-earth and loving nature.

Karen Eva Novak will be remembered for her unwavering kindness, her dedication to her family and community, and her simple yet profound appreciation for the beauty of life. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will continue to inspire all who knew her.