Helen B. Novak, 98, formerly of Blakely, died Tuesday afternoon at Holy Family Residence, Scranton. She was preceded in death by her husband, John J. Novak.
Born and raised in Dickson City, daughter of the late Onufer and Juliana (Jule) Styrczak Barniak, she was a 1936 graduate of Dickson City High School. She worked in the local garment industry before her marriage and then was a homemaker. She was a member of Holy Ghost Parish, now Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant.
Helen was a loving and caring person. She enjoyed music, movies, crossword puzzles, gardening and just chatting with family and friends. She loved spending time with her daughter and looked forward to her daily visits. Helen will always be remembered for her beautiful smile and her sing-alongs with the girls at the home.
A special thank you to the Little Sisters of the Poor, the nurses and aides of Holy Family Residence for all their loving and caring support over the past three-and-a-half years, she was truly blessed to have been a part of such a "compassionate family."
Surviving are her daughter, Elaine Falzone and husband, Michael, Dunmore; nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
She was also preceded in death by three brothers, John, Joseph and William Barniak; and two sisters, Mary Hudak and Anna Markewich. A baby sister, Rose, died after birth. Helen was the last of her siblings.
The funeral Mass will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. in the chapel at Holy Family Residence, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton. Interment, St. Cyril's Cemetery, Peckville.
Friends may call Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at Holy Family Residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 2500 Adams Ave., Scranton, PA 18509.
Arrangements entrusted to the Michael P. Glinsky Funeral Home Inc., 129 Grant St., Olyphant.