Shirley Joan Novak (nee Banta) of Sparta, N.J., passed away peacefully at Newton Medical Center in Newton, N.J., on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2021. She was 88.
Born to Samuel and Mildred Banta in Franklin, N.J., she has been a longtime resident of Franklin and Sparta.
Shirley, a graduate of Franklin High School, worked as a clerk at the Franklin Shop Rite and worked as a cafeteria worker at Franklin School before retiring. She was a lifetime member of the Franklin American Legion Post # 132 Ladies Auxiliary and was a longtime member of the Franklin First Presbyterian Church and sang in the church choir. Shirley took great joy in playing Bingo, reading and caring for her dog.
Shirley is predeceased by her husband, George E. Novak Sr. (1996) and son George E. Novak Jr. (1982).
She is the devoted mother of Joseph Novak of Center Harbor, N.H., and Diane Decker of Bushkill, Pa.
Graveside services under the direction of F. John Ramsey Funeral Home, Franklin, were held Jan. 21 at North Hardyston Cemetery, Hardyston, N.J.