Mary Lee NOVAK

Mary Lee Novak

Mary Lee Novak, 61, of Lynchburg, passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2008, at the home of her brother, Neil and sister-in-law, Dot.

Ms. Novak was born Oct. 16, 1947, in Montclair, N.J., a daughter of Ruby Templeton Novak of Lynchburg and the late Dr. John Goodman Novak.

She is survived by her sons, whom she adored, Joseph Matthew Novak-Zarate of Sacramento, Calif., and Joaquin "Jack" Kelek Novak-Zarate and his partner, Teresa Ang, of Louisville, Ky.; her precious granddaughter, Dahlia; her brothers, John T. Novak of Lynchburg, Neil E. Novak and his wife, Dot, of Lynchburg, Raleigh Novak and his partner, Anne Gagnon, of Monroe and Joe Novak and his wife, Krissy, of Lynchburg; her sisters, Carolyn Novak and her husband, Don Johnson, of Johnson City, Tenn., Dr. Barbara Jean Novak of Bethesda, Md., and Lisa Novak of Richmond; and her dear friends, Vicki and John Griffin of Richmond, Pilulaw Khus of California and Pat Shelby of California. Mary is survived by several nieces and nephews and a large extended family.

A graduate of Liberty High School, Bedford, in 1965, she also attended Boonsboro High School from 1961 through 1964. In 1968, she graduated from Virginia Intermont College with an associate's degree and most recently had extensive training in health modalities and alternative healing methods. She lived in California, primarily in the Sacramento area, for 30 years and moved back to Virginia to be with family and friends in spring 2007.

Mary Lee loved nature and the outdoors, especially the Blue Ridge Mountains and butterflies. She was a talented potter, artist, photographer and props designer, having both worked and volunteered at the Visual and Performing Arts Center at Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, Calif.

Mary Lee's interest in healing led to a 30-year career in the health field and in recent years, she emerged from her chrysalis to study and become an intuitive healer. Her philosophy of life was one of healing and she lived it fully. Her infectious smile and marvelous laughter brought joy and light to all who were privileged to have her in their lives.

A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, 2008, in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Hospice of the Hills, 3300 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503; Bon Secours Foundation for St. Mary's Hospital, 5801 Bremo Road, Richmond, VA 23226; the Altapass Foundation (Monarch Butterfly Preservation Project), P.O. Box 245, Little Switzerland, NC 28749; or the American Cancer Society, 2316 Atherholt Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family, (434) 237-9424. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tharpfuneralhome.com.