Mary Ann Novak

Mary Ann “Mern” Mackrell Novak, 70, of Olyphant, passed away on Wednesday afternoon from a brief battle with adenocarcinoma at Geisinger Community Medical Center, Scranton. She is survived by her husband, Anthony F. Novak Jr. They were married on May 9, 1980.

Born in Peckville on January 31, 1954 to the late David and Jane Mackrell; she was raised in the Grassy Island section of Olyphant. She attended St. Patrick’s Parochial School, Olyphant and was a graduate of Mid Valley High School, Class of 1971. She was a lifelong member of Holy Cross Parish, Olyphant. 

After graduation, Mern was employed by Billig Shoe Factory, Peckville before starting her career at Specialty Records/Cinram, Olyphant. She worked her way up from record quality control to administrative assistant. 

After retiring, she dedicated her life to her two grandsons, Dylan and Hunter whom she cherished so deeply, driving them to school, doctor appointments and sporting events. She deeply missed their father, Mern and Tony’s son, Brian, who passed away on March 6, 2023.

Mern enjoyed cooking for the family on the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays and keeping Aunt Nana’s cookie recipe alive by baking them for her siblings and family. She also enjoyed camping trips with the “Bushwacker” camping family, as well as the many Pennsylvania State Parks. She especially loved Promised Land where she always commented, ”this is our little piece of heaven.”

The family would like to give a heart-filled thank-you to all the doctors, nurses and staff at Geisinger Community Medical Center for the compassionate care given to Mern and to them in such times of medical needs. Also, a thank-you to Dr. Carl Barsigian and Jennifer Pierce at Hematology and Oncology of NEPA.

Mern is also survived by a daughter, Katie and her boyfriend, Cam Clark of Philadelphia; a daughter-in-law, Alicia Tait Novak of Scott Township; a brother, Dave Mackrell and wife, Bernie of Olyphant, a sister, Sue Tolerico and husband, Tony, of Olyphant; sister-in-law, Agnes Nichols and companion, Alan Spilar of Arizona; two nephews and spouses: Jeffrey and Debbie Nichols and Shaun and Amy Mackrell; four nieces and spouses: Trish and James McCullagh, Rachel Mackrell, Elizabeth and Jimmy Greene and Rose and Chris Hughes; several grandnieces and grandnephews.

She was also preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Terri Longo Mackrell.

Mass will be celebrated on Monday at 11:30AM at Holy Cross Parish at St. Patrick’s Church, 200 Delaware Avenue, Olyphant. Family and friends are asked to go directly to the church. Interment will be at the convenience of the family.

Friends may call on Sunday from 3 to 5PM at the Hudak-O’Shea Funeral Home, 115 Garfield Ave., Olyphant. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to Griffin Pond Animal Shelter, 967 Griffin Pond Road, S. Abington Twp., PA, 18411.

For directions or online condolences please visit www.hudak-osheafuneralhome.com.