WILMINGTON, MA — Annette E. Novak (Fortier), age 90, of Wilmington, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2019 at Care One in Wilmington.
Ann was born on October 1, 1929 in South Grafton, MA. She was the dear daughter of the late William and Mary (Bagin) Fortier. Ann grew up in Grafton and was a graduate of Grafton High School. Following graduation Ann went to work for a new startup company called Tupperware. Her direct boss was Earl Tupper, Tupperware’s inventor. She relocated to Kissimmee Florida, Tupperware’s headquarters, and enjoyed this exciting time in her life.
Ann met her sweetheart, Emil Novak, while at a local dance with friends. He became her husband of over 66 years. Together they raised four children; Anne, Jean, Susan, and Michael.
A loving mother and wife, Ann was also an avid reader and enthusiastic gardener (irises and lily of the valley were her favorites). She loved to shop and would later treat her grandchildren to their own birthday shopping days, a memory they hold dear. Ann and Emil also loved to travel, traveling the US as well as Europe and Asia. They were often with their group of life-long friends.
Ann loved spending time with her family and friends. She especially treasured her role as Gramma to her 10 grandchildren, and they treasured her in return. She was happiest at family gatherings, singing at the piano. Singing was her passion and her voice was lovely. She sang in the choir at St. Thomas for over 22 years.
Ann will be remembered for her unconditional love and devotion to her family. She was kind and unassuming with never a negative word, always seeing the best in people. Her presence will be so missed; she will always be in the hearts of her family and friends.
Annette was the beloved wife of Emil L. Novak, beloved mother of Anne Rumizen & husband Mark of Reading, Jean Olson & husband Stephen of Plymouth, Susan Marsh & husband Steve of North Andover, and Mike Novak of Los Angeles, CA. Loving Gramma of Matt, Steve, Katie, Lauren, Jill, Emily, Lynne, Kevin, Grace and Annie. Dear sister of the late Robert Fortier and also the late Adele Dziokonski, her sister-in-law who was the sister she never had.
Family and friends will gather for Visiting Hours at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Saturday, November 23rd from 1:00-4:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Annette’s life at 4:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
(NOTE: The above obituary is from Nichols Funeral Home.)
Like Wilmington Apple on Facebook. Follow Wilmington Apple on Twitter. Follow Wilmington Apple on Instagram. Subscribe to Wilmington Apple’s daily email newsletter HERE. Got a comment, question, photo, press release, or news tip? Email wilmingtonapple@gmail.com.
Wilmington Apple 