NEW MIDDLETOWN – An hour of calling will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish at St. Matthias Church followed immediately by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM with Fr. Martin Celuch officiating for Sophie Novak, 91, who passed away December 26, 2015.

Sophie was born March 11, 1924 in Farrell, PA, a daughter of John and Mary (Yankulak) Gerchak.

She retired as an elevator operator from Union National Bank in downtown Youngstown after 36 years of service. She was a parishioner of St. Matthias Church. Sophie was active in many organizations through St. Stanislaus Parish, including working in the pierogi kitchen, as well as the St. Stan's Altar & Rosary Sodality, Catholic War Vets Auxiliary #1222, and the St. Stan's Senior Group. She also enjoyed going to bingo every Sunday.

Most of all, Sophie was a wonderful and selfless person. She was generous not only with her time, but also her energy and many talents. She was always willing to go the extra mile for any family member or friend, whether it be driving someone to the doctor, or making sure they had a delicious sweet to snack on. She was a true example of a kind person.

Sophie leaves to cherish her memories, a daughter, Irene (Ourten) Scullen of New Middletown and her son, Robert (Kimberly) Novak of Poland, her grandson, Mark (Alice Sorensen) Melnick of New York City, her sister, Helen Kaplon of Boardman, and sister-in-law, Rosie Gerchak of Howland.

Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Steve Novak, whom she married September 7, 1946 and who passed away September 2, 1997; her brothers, Frank, John, Joseph, and Judge Michael Gerchak, sister Marie Gerchak, and infant sister, Rose Gerchak.

The Novak family has entrusted their loved one to the care of the Kubina-Yuhasz-Wasko Funeral Home where they will receive friends on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. A prayer service will be held at 3:45 PM.

Interment will take place at Lake Park Cemetery.

Visit www.waskofamily.com to view the obituary and send the Novak family condolences.