Dorothy V. Novak-Dowdell, 93, Church volunteer and enjoyed noodle-making
Dorothy V Novak-Dowdell, (nee Gudan), age 93, of Vermilion Township, and formerly of Elyria Township, passed away on the evening of Tuesday July 28, 2015 while a resident of Kingston of Vermilion.
She was born in Lorain on July 1, 1922. Dorothy was a charter member of St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Elyria Township and had been a long-time member of the Altar & Rosary Society there. She volunteered countless hours as a member of the Holy Rollers, a group that baked nut rolls for fundraising projects for the church. Also known as The Noodle Lady, Mrs. Novak-Dowdell prepared great quantities of noodles for other parish projects and always enjoyed sharing her skills in noodle-making with others.
In addition, she was an active volunteer with both the American Red Cross and the American Cancer Society; she served both of those organizations for more than thirty years.
Dorothy enjoyed spending any available free time in the company of her family.
Survivors include her son Dr. Gary Novak (Mary) residing in Alta Dena, California, along with daughters Linda Novak of Minneapolis, Minnesota and Maureen DeLong (Bruce) of Vermilion Township. In addition, she leaves her step-son Timothy Dowdell (Sheila) of North Ridgeville along with eleven grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and five step grandchildren.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her first husband Harry Novak, by her second husband Bernie Dowdell, by her daughter Janice Adams, by her parents Joseph and Frances (nee Guzik) Gudan, and by her brother John Gudan.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday August 8th in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 41295 North Ridge Road, Elyria Township. Reverend Donald Dunson, pastor of the parish will serve as celebrant. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain.
Memorial contributions are encouraged to either the American Red Cross or the American Cancer Society.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel. To share your memories and condolences with Dorothy’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.