Karen L. Novak, 75, Avid Ohio State Buckeyes Fan
Karen L. Novak, age 75, of Cleveland, passed away Tuesday evening April 21, 2026 following a period of declining health.
Born in Lorain on September 29, 1950, Karen was a 1968 graduate of Lorain High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and the A-Cappella Choir. Following her graduation, she enrolled in the M.B. Johnson School of Nursing at Elyria Memorial Hospital to pursue her dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. Upon graduation, Karen began her career at St. Joseph's Hospital in Lorain. After several years at St. Joe’s, Karen joined University Hospitals of Cleveland in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital. During the next thirty five years, she left an indelible mark on the lives of thousands of infants as well as their parents and advocates.
A former parishioner of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Lorain, Karen was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, the Cavaliers, and the Indians. But her true passion was rooting for The Ohio State University Football Buckeyes!! She also enjoyed travel, music and decorating her yard with floral baskets and arrangements. Karen was deeply devoted to her extended family and took great pride in encouraging their pursuits, celebrating their achievements and supporting their many interests and activities.
She leaves her brother Ron Novak (Karen), sister Marianne Smith and her nephew Mark Osko (Nancy).
Karen was preceded in death by her father Jerome Novak, mother Mary Novak (nee Lute), sister Patricia Leboda and nephew William Huskinson.
Visitation will be Saturday May 2, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 6:00 p.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway, Lorain. Members of the Northeast Ohio Nurse Honor Guard will conduct a memorial service beginning at 6:00 p.m. to be followed by family reflections and a closing prayer.
A private burial will take place at Calvary Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to University Hospital Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital.
To share your memories and condolences with the Novak Family, please visit Karen’s tribute page at www.gluvmnashimohromada.com.