Janet Maxine (Ashby) Novak, 85, of Uniontown, PA, passed away peacefully, on December 26, 2024 at her home, embraced by the love of her husband, Willaim J. Novak and her family.

Janet was born on April 4, 1939 in Harlington, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom.  She was predeceased by her parents, George and Hannah May (Porter) Ashby; brother, Ray Ashby, and sister, Mina Dorsey.

Janet and Bill's journey began in England, while Bill was serving in the United States Air Force.  It was there, a moment in history, brimming with hope, that they found each other – two souls destined to be united.  Their love story culminated in marriage at St. Mary's Church in Harlington in 1958.

Shortly after, they decided to start a new chapter together, relocating to Hopwood, PA, where they built a life full of love and adventure, establishing a legacy that would span generations.

Their bond was not just one of love, but a shared sense of purpose that would guide their family for years to come.  Janet took an active role in the lives of her children and was an assistant coach and statistician for the St. Joh Byzantine Warriors basketball team, coach of the Bluebells softball team, and booster's president for the Laurel Highlands Boys soccer team.  She was also a small business owner.  Janet's charm and spirit made her a welcomed presence at sporting venues, especially at the William I. Menarchek, Jr. Memorial Soccer Complex (Fayette County Youth Soccer Club), where her staff jacket became a symbol of her influence.
She actively supported the interests of her family and eagerly served as caretaker for her grandchildren.  Days were filled with a healthy measure of laughter, creativity, and wit, often outdoors in the sunshine, among her beautiful flowerbeds.

Janet was a vibrant life force.  She exemplified how to be brave in the face of challenges, responsible in action, diligent in effort, and to always carry humor and kindness within one's heart.  To her family, she was a trusted confidant, a masterful storyteller, and their biggest champion.  She encouraged their voices, filled their lives with wonder, and wove magic into every shared moment.
Anyone who met Janet was immediately captivated by her magnetic personality and her ability to light up a room with her warmth and grace.

Janet's legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren, who have excelled in fields such as education, science, arts, and public service.  The impact of their work is a testament to Janet's lasting influence.  Her spirit endures through values she instilled – courage, kindness, humor, and the relentless commitment to making the world a better place.

She is survived by her beloved husband, William J. Novak, and their children, William G. (Melanie) Novak and daughter Amanda (Daniel) Kalbaugh; Mary Lee (Douglas) DeCarlo and daughters Brittany (Colby) Schelling and Brogan (Zachary) Drew; Katherine (Bruce) Lilley and children Steven (Brianna), Valen, and Brynn Lilley: Stephen (Miranda) Novak and children Josh, Natalie, Spencer, and Henry Novak, and son Robert (Karen) Novak and their children, Allison, Kavon, and Maxine Novak. Her great-grandchildren are, Tara, Addelyn, Kelsea, and Danika Kalbaugh; Penn and Silas Schelling; Gwendolyn and Theodore Drew; and Kassius Markovitch.  She is also survived by her sisters in England, Jean (John Bullard) Amiss, Myra (Mick) Lane, and their families.

Janet's love and guidance continue to shape all lives she touched in ways words cannot fully express, serving as a daily reminder of the enduring power of her presence.  Her memory will forever be in our hearts.

Janet's family extends deep thanks and appreciation to the staff at WVU Medicine Hospice for their warm support and professionalism.

In keeping with personal wishes, Janet's final services will be private.

Donations

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you spend time with your loved ones, enjoying a lively conversation over a cup of coffee, and/or donating to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Janet's memory.

www.stjude.org