Obituary of Maria Ann O'Donnell Novak

Maria Ann O'Donnell Novak, 65 years old, of Collingwood Avenue, died Sunday at Ellis Hospital, with her family at her side. Maria was born June 12, 1943 in Gloversville, a daughter of Joseph and Julia Ferrara O'Donnell and attended Gloversville Schools. She had been employed as a Secretary for the Nationwide Insurance Co. in Gloversville for many years. Maria and her husband Frank moved to Charlotte, N.C. in 1981 where they resided until 1996. She has resided in Johnstown ever since. Maria was a member of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church in Gloversville and enjoyed attending services at the Auriesville Shrine during the summers. She was a member of The Loyal Order of the Moose in Johnstown. Maria enjoyed riding with her husband on their Harley Davidson. Over the years she enjoyed camping, dancing to a Polka and loved time spent with family. Maria's husband, Frank J. Novak, died August 7, 1996. She is survived by her two daughters: Debra A. Green and her companion Erik Scott of Johnstown and Denise Empie and her husband Mark, also of Johnstown; Her brother Thomas J. O'Donnell and his wife Karen of Mayfield; Her sister Lucia Seren and her husband George of Gloversville; three grandchildren: Jonathan Gancarz and his companion Jacqueline Fosdick and Jarid and Joel Empie; her great grand daughter Emma Gancarz; nieces, nephews and cousins. Maria was also predeceased by her two brothers John J. and Carmen F. O'Donnell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00am Saturday June 21, 2008, at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Gloversville. Cremation will take place at Vale Crematorium. There will be no calling or viewing period. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions: Arthritis Foundation of Northeastern New York, 1717 Central Avenue, Suite 105, Albany, NY 12205, or to a charity of one's choice.