Mary Novotny, 86, died at her home in Arvada, Colorado on January 18. She was with her children, who had lovingly cared for her through months of declining health.
Mary was born September 1, 1932 to Arthur and Christine (Pletschette) Schuster in Iowa. When she was a year old they moved to Pilot Grove, Missouri where she was raised at their family farm. Mary attended nursing school in Yankton, South Dakota where she met her husband of 65 years, Fred Novotny. They settled in Arvada and raised six children in the house in which Mary passed, enjoying a close marriage until Fred’s death last November.
Mary was a devout Catholic and her church, St. Joan of Arc in Arvada, played an important role in her life. She was a joyous and outgoing person who never met a stranger. She enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends, talking, sharing meals, playing games, and being together. Mary held a passion for playing bridge, enjoying the game with one group of friends for over 55 years. She loved her second career as a Mary Kay consultant, making many friends of both her clients and fellow consultants. Mary also believed in giving back to the community including tutoring in schools and volunteering for Mount Saint Vincent’s.
Mary is survived by her six children: Michele Windler (Larry) Wichita, KS; Fred II (Olga) Houston TX; Kevin (Debra) Littleton, Christine (Phil Clark) Portland, OR; Steve (Kathy) Arvada; and Faith White (Tim) Arvada. She is also survived by her siblings Milly, Jim and Charles, and sister-in-law Norma Novotny, Arvada. She was preceded in death by her husband Fred, mother Christine, father Arthur, and brothers Paul and Arthur Schuster Jr.
Mary cherished her grandchildren, who loved her as much as she loved them. They are Gabriel, Steven Michael, Tyler, Scott, Paul, Elizabeth, Amanda, Lindsay, Andy, and Charlie; and great-grandchildren Alexander and Isla.
As a child Mary survived osteomyelitis, spending the better part of a year in the hospital. Her hospitalization and treatment were paid for by the March of Dimes, a charity she held close to her heart. Mary requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the March of Dimes
Please join us in celebrating Mary’s life with a rosary on Thursday, January 24th at 7:00 pm and funeral Friday, January 25th at 10:30 am at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church in Arvada.
