Annette Glomboski Novotka

Annette Glomboski Novotka of Taylor and St. Petersburg, Fla., died April 30 in St. Anthony's Hospital, St. Petersburg. Her husband of 16 years is Henry J. Novotka.

Born in Taylor, daughter of the late Henry W. and Rose Chapla Glomboski, she was a graduate of Penn State University and worked for WYOU and the U.S. Department of State, Cairo, Egypt.

A woman full of life, energy and adventure, she enjoyed traveling to distant and out-of-the-ordinary countries, where is was not uncommon for her to talk and get to know the local population. This often led to further adventures, like riding an elephant in the jungles of Thailand, a camel in the desert of Egypt or navigating the mazes of the market in Marakesh. She was proud of the nickname her family had given her, "the gypsy of the family."

She was a spirited debater, whether it was with her colleagues at the embassy in Cairo or with her fellow board members at her community in Florida, if the topic was one that needed to be addressed and resolved, it was worth her time and attention to bring the issues forward. An avid golfer, she spent much of the summer golfing Pines Hills, Taylor, as well as other courses in Northeast Pennsylvania with the ladies of the Taylor Women's League. She could drive a golf ball a country mile much to the delight of her husband, Henry, who helped her advance her game. She was such a presence that she will be missed greatly by family, friends and all who knew her.

Also surviving are two daughters, Sandi Youndt, Terre Hill, Pa.; and Judy Neild, Cliffside Park, N.J.; and a granddaugher, Jessica Youndt.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service Saturday at 11 a.m. at Washburn Street Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 712 S. Keyser Ave., Taylor, PA 18517.

Arrangements, Semian Funeral Home, 704 Union St., Taylor.