Wilda Irene Novak

Wilda Irene Novak, age 88, of Pensacola died July 17, 2020 from Covid. Wilda grew up in Pensacola and graduated with the Pensacola High School class of 1949. When able, she enjoyed quarterly luncheons with PHS classmates who still live in the Pensacola area.

Wilda met the love of her life, Larry at the Pensacola USO. She recalled he was playing “Clair de Lune” on the piano. They were married six months later. Larry deployed with the Air Force to Korea in 1952. After his return, they moved to the Chicago area where they lived for 35 years. Wilda was employed for many years in a CPA office and later worked as office Manager for a lumber company. After moving back to Pensacola, Wilda became very active in the Pensacola Museum of Art Guild, where she served terms as President and Treasurer. Wilda had a great love for music (especially jazz). She was a member of First United Methodist Church of Pensacola.

Wilda and her late husband Larry’s very special friends were Ruth and Cecil Ray. The Rays had five daughters who were adored by Wilda and Larry. Though they did not have children of their own, they considered the Ray girls to be their God-daughters. They are: Ardye Graham; Cheryl Ray (Doug Lasater); Lisa Shanley (Chris); Tiani Grumme (Garth) and Melanye Smith (Michael).

Wilda was preceded in death by her parents Ross and Armenta Ingram; her beloved husband, Emil “Larry” Novak; one brother, Luther Ingram; one sister, Julia Margie Pindrock and nieces Janie Swanson and Penny Niemond.

Wilda is survived by one sister, Betty Forgette; one very special niece, Lisa Brouchard; nephews, Tim and Larry Corbett, Steve and Andy Ingram and Bob Niemond.

Many thanks to Wilda’s doctors: Guzman Diaz, Jung Gorton, Tom Sunnenberg and John Wagner.

Mrs. Novak’s God-daughters wish to express their gratitude to Vivian Joiner for her friendship and loving care of Wilda.

Memorials may be made in honor of Wilda Ingram Novak to Friends of Escambia County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 11553, Pensacola, Florida 32524 Or Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA), 407 S. Jefferson Street, Pensacola, Florida 32502

BAYVIEW FISHER-POU CHAPEL, 3351 Scenic Highway is entrusted with arrangements. Condolences may be offered at www.bayviewfisher-pouchapel.com.