Dorothy Novak, age 92, died on March 8 at the Seven Rivers Medical Center in Crystal River, Florida. She was married to her childhood sweetheart, Walter, for almost 70 years, and enjoyed retirement with him for over 30 years, until he predeceased her in 2016. She is survived by her son, David, and daughter in law, Joanne, who live in Arlington, MA.
Dot grew up in New Haven, Connecticut where she attended St Mary’s High School. Both before and after marrying Walt she worked several jobs to help support her parents. Dot and Walt married in 1946, on his return from serving in the Navy during WW 2. Their only child, Dave, was born in 1947. Besides being a home maker, Dot became active as a Cub Scout leader and Catholic studies teacher. When Dave went to a private high school, Dot went to work for the West Haven Public School system and, for many years supported several grammar school principals as their secretary and office manager. At her retirement party, people spoke about being afraid the school would fall apart without her!
After the move to Beverly Hills, FL, she and Walt began a very rich, happy, and active retirement life. Along with joining many clubs, dancing together whenever possible, Dot became a line dancing instructor and her group entertained at many senior citizen centers. Even after she needed a walker, she still had the moves! She also led a lunch group made up of friends she and Walt met from their church, Our Lady of Grace, clubs and other activities. Like Walt, she loved everything to do with swimming, snorkeling, and boating.
The family requests memorial donations to be made to Dot’s favorite animal conservation group, Save The Manatee Club (Savethemanatee.org).
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Fero Funeral Home, 5955 N. Lecanto Hgihway, Beverly Hills, FL 34465.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18