Alison Novak

Alison Novak, 46, of Springfield, died at 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 04, 2007 at her residence. Alison was born on July 30, 1960 in Springfield, the daughter of Louis Clay and Mildred Elaine Cates Vincent. She married Charles Novak on February 21, 1994 in Jamaica. She graduated from Lanphier High School and was inducted into the Lanphier High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2005. She also attended Lincoln Land Community College. Alison owned Florascape and was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. Very involved in the Springfield community, Alison held memberships in various local organizations. She volunteered at the Midwest Charity Horse Show, Camp CoCo, The Parent Place, Festival of Trees, Lincoln Land Community College and Camp Care A Lot where she served as a speaker encouraging underprivileged children to follow their dreams. Alison’s charitable and generous spirit was shared with her donation of time and financial assistance to many local clubs and organizations including the Girl Scouts of America, SCORE, Small Business Development Center-Entrepreneurial, SPARC, Downtown Springfield, Inc., Springfield Theater Center, The Hope School and United Cerebral Palsy. Alison participated in various floral shows and organizations on a national level. She served as the American Institute of Floral Design (AIFD) North Central Region Exhibit Chair for the 2000 Chicago Flower and Garden Show and also participated in Major Exhibit Design and Installation from 2001 to 2006, receiving Special Design Awards for several consecutive years. She organized and hosted the “Frankly Floral Art, The Wright Way” floral art show at the Dana Thomas House in 2005. Throughout her career in Floral Arts, Alison has received many awards and held various positions. She was designated an FTD Master Designer, inducted in to the American Institute of Floral Designers in 1992. She served on the American Institute of Floral Designers Scholarship Committee from 1994 to 1997, served as a Regional Board Member from 1996 to 1998, Regional Treasurer from 1998 – 2001, Regional Vice-President, President Elect from 2001 – 2003, Regional President 2003 to 2004, National Student Competition Chair from 2003 – 2006 and was the current National Treasurer. In 2004 she was inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture. She was a featured designer for the 2006 Presidential Inauguration for George W. Bush and a featured designer for the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Academy awards from 2001 to 2007. She was the featured Designer and Writer for Flora Magazine for November 2003, September 2005 and October 2005 and the featured Designer for Professional Floral Designer (PFD) Magazine for July 2001, August 2001, January 2000, February 2000, September 1999, October 1999, January 1999 and February 1999. Alison’s local and national business accomplishments include the 2006 Athena Award, 2005 Mayors Award for the Arts, 2005 Dana Thomas House Presidents Award, 2003 Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce Small Business Person of the Year Award, 2000 40 under 40 Business Execs of Excellence and 15 under 15 Business Excellence under 15 Employees Springfield Business Journal Awards. She was also a member of the Mayors Delegation 2005 to Sister City Ashkiga, Japan and a National Association of Women Business Owners Board Member, where she served as their Treasurer from 2004 to 2005 and served on various committees. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Chuck P. Novak of Springfield; one son: Zach Hunter of Scottsdale, Arizona; her stepmother: Phyllis Vincent of Springfield; three sisters: Janelle (husband, Don)Dever of Springfield, Leigh Strode of Springfield and Kathryn (husband, Dennis) Daniels of Whitehall; one brother: Richard (wife, Diana) Vincent of Roodhouse and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Cremation accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Memorial Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2007 at Christ the King Catholic Church, 1930 Barberry, Springfield with, Rev. Msgr. David S. Lantz celebrant. The family of Alison Novak would like to invite friends to a celebration of her life from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 6, 2007 at the Inn at 835, 835 S. 2nd St., Springfield. Memorial Contributions may be made to: Kidney Cancer Association, 1234 Sherman Avenue, Suite 203, Evanston, Illinois 60202 or Hospice Care of Illinois (VNA), 720 North Bond Street, Springfield, Illinois 62702 or Northcentral Chapter of AFID Scholarship Fund, In Honor of Alison Novak, AFID, 2719 W. Monroe, Springfield, IL 62704. The family of Alison Novak is being served by Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.