Irene Rita Agnes (Feifer) Novak, 102, passed early Thursday morning with her daughter and son-in-law at her side, in her daughter's Kulpmont home where she had resided for the past 20 years.

Born in Mount Carmel on November 27, 1917, she was the daughter of the late Agnes (Tomkowiak) Feifer and Adam Feifer.

Irene attended Our Mother of Consolation Parochial School, and is a life long resident of the area.

On May 30, 1938, in Our Mother of Consolation Church, Mount Carmel, she married George J. Novak.  The Reverend John Janczukiewicz performed the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. Novak celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in May of 1998 shortly before George's passing in November.

Irene worked at Feifer's Market, her family's butcher shop in Mount Carmel, before briefly working in an area garment factory.  In addition to being a full time wife and mother, she was an at-home caregiver for her mother-in-law for 25 years.

In addition to her love of reading, Irene enjoyed playing bingo and looked forward to attending Divine Liturgy and social functions at her Church. She considered parishioners to be an extension of her family and enjoyed spending time in their company.  She and George had a love and respect for all animals, a trait that was passionately inherited by their daughter. She was a member of Life Geisinger in Kulpmont and immediately bonded with the staff and participants.  She recently celebrated her 102nd birthday at the center.  After a round of Happy Birthday was sung to her, Irene replied with the singing of the traditional Polish 'Sto Lat'.

Irene had great devotion to Our Blessed Lady and recited the rosary at least once each day.  As a young lady, she was a member of the Sodality of Our Lady at her home parish of Our Mother of Consolation.  In 1995, she became a member of the Rosary Group of Saint Casimir.  She is a parishioner of SS. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and a member of the parish Altar Rosary Society.

In addition to her daughter, George Ann Katchick and 'son', Paul (Irene never considered him a son-in-law) who were her caregivers, surviving are her companion parrot, Paulie, a blue crowned conure who she adopted 20 years ago; sons Ronald and his wife Ann of Warrenton, Virginia; Dennis and his wife Louise of Crystal River, Florida; grandchildren Michael Novak of Warrenton, Virginia, Patricia Vida and her husband, Mike, of Chantilly, Virginia, and Daniel Novak and his wife, Amy, of Freeport, Maine, and five great grandchildren; Ashley, Jacob, Cassara, Ella and Finn. In addition to her husband and parents, Irene was preceded in death by her only brother, Edward Feifer, and her devoted nephew, Robert Martin.

FUNERAL NOTICE

Irene R. Novak, 102, of Kulpmont - Divine Liturgy will be celebrated Thursday, December 19, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 131 North Beech Street, Mount Carmel with Very Reverend Archpriest Michael Hutsko, officiating.  Burial will follow in SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery, Mount Carmel Twp. Viewing will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2019 in SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the Divine Liturgy. Arrangement are in care of C.J. Lucas Funeral Home, Inc., 1053 Chestnut Street, Kulpmont, PA 17834, C.J. Lucas, Supervisor. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to SS Peter & Paul Ukrainian Catholic Church, 131 North Beech Street, Mount Carmel, PA 17851. To send condolences to the family please visit www.cjlucasfuneralhome.com