Elizabeth Alice Novak

Elizabeth Alice (Steffo) Novak, 98m who previously resided with her daughter in Oak Harbor, Ohio died Friday, January 6, 2012 at Riverview Healthcare Campus, Oak Harbor. She was born December 2, 1913 in Chicago, IL to the late Joseph P. and Kathrine (Sladek) Steffo. Alice attended Whittier Grade School and graduated from Lucy Flower High School in Chicago in which she won a scholarship to the Chicago Art Institute. She went on to attend Business College in New Jersey. At age 20, Alice, with her beautiful auburn red hair, modeled hats for the Katz Millinery Firm of Chicago. She married Dr. Leo J. Novak on August 14, 1937, sharing 67 years together. Alice, like her mother, was an outstanding seamstress and an excellent artist. She enjoyed working with many Medias including water color and oils. She was a true lover of the Arts; enrolled in art, sculpture, and ceramic classes in New Orleans, attended many Broadway plays and enjoyed listening to music. She was quick witted and a great teacher. She lovingly taught her grandchildren the skills of reading, writing, spelling, and arithmetic. Alice and her husband spent many years travelling extensively throughout the US, Canada, Europe, Africa, Mexico and the Caribbean. During her working career, she had the privilege to work for various retail firms including Saks 5th Avenue. During her children's childhood years she became actively involved with Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, Alter Rosary Society, Parent Teachers Association as well as various ceramic and art groups. She is a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Oak Harbor and the Sarah Circle. Alice excelled at many things, but considered her greatest accomplishment to be a mother and grandmother to her beautiful children and grandchildren. Survivors include her children Donald L. (Delores) Novak of Bucyrus, OH and Joan Upham Hockett of Oak Harbor, OH; Grandchildren: Charmaine C. ( John) Ingram, Alice E.(Ray) Allen, Michelle (David) Phillips, Charles F. (Jessica) Upham, Leo J.( Brenda) Upham, Jamie (Kenneth Walton) Novak, William Houseright, and Valerie Houseright; Great-Grandchildren: Jason and Jonas Riley, Carissa Upham, Jeff Ross, Ryan Novak, Rachael Bailey, Blake Houseright, and Remmington Ingram, Leo J. Upham II, Emma Upham, Charles F. Upham, Sydney K. Upham and Chet (Heather) Gibson; Great-Great Grandchildren: Caiden Ross, Lauryn Gibson, Farrah Gibson and Lilly Gibson; Special niece and nephew, Zoe and William J. Emas. She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband of 67 years, Leo on May 22, 2004; brother, Joseph P. Steffo; sisters: Mary Emas and Annie Gnoske. Services for Alice will be held at 11:30am on Thursday, January 12, 2012 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Salem Township with Pastor Cheryl Wessel officiating. A bereavement meal will be immediately following the service in the church hall. A private interment will take place at the Salem Township Union Cemetery Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or Riverview Healthcare Campus. Crosser Funeral Home, Oak Harbor is assisting the family with arrangements. The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to the following: Dr. Daniel Cadigan, who cared for our precious mother and family; the Riverview Healthcare Campus staff for their many years of compassionate, loving care; Pastor Cheryl Wessel for her prayers and spiritual guidance and Sarah Circle for the many cards, flowers and enjoyable visits during her stay at Riverview. We are forever grateful. Funeral Home: Crosser Funeral Home - Oak Harbor Chapel 301 N. Locust Street Oak Harbor, OH