Ilona Novak

Ilona grew up on her family's farm alongside her ten siblings. From a young age, she helped her mother bake homemade bread and worked in the garden, fields, and barn. Every Sunday the family traveled by horse-drawn buggy to attend the Nazarene church in Hódmezővásárhely. At the age of 16, she was baptized there, beginning a lifelong journey of faith.

At 19 years old, Ilona managed a small grocery store. During that time, by the Lord’s leading, she met her beloved husband, János Novák. They were married on February 14, 1953, and made their home in Szeged, Hungary, where they raised their four children: Zsuzsa, Kathy, János, and Erika. Their children grew up in a beautiful home with a large garden that was filled with love and care.

After their daughters, Zsuzsa and Kathy, married and moved to America, Ilona and her husband immigrated to the United States in 1980 with their children, János and Erika. Although beginning a new life in a new country was not easy, Ilona worked diligently as a seamstress before later becoming her husband's devoted caregiver.

Ilona found great joy in gardening and had a special love for roses and herbs. She could often be found tending to her garden with care and patience. Her home was filled with flourishing plants and beautiful flowers, each lovingly nurtured by her hands.

Throughout every season of her life, Ilona's faith in God sustained and strengthened her through life's joys and hardships. She was a loving wife, a devoted mother, a cherished grandmother, and a treasured great-grandmother. Affectionately known as "Nagymama" (Grandma), she was lovingly called by that name not only by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, but also by many who came to know and love her in her later years. She will be remembered for her kindness, patience, gentle spirit, and unwavering love for her family.

She is survived by her two beloved siblings, Márta and János, who grieve her passing along with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.

Above all, Ilona's greatest desire was that each of her children, grandchildren, and future generations would come to know the Lord and receive His gift of salvation.

Her legacy of faith, love, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.