Palestine High School Alumni Association

Barbara Jean Roy Novak, 81, passed away peacefully, Aug 16, 2009 in Rohnert Park, Calif. with her family at her side.

Jean was born Aug 19, 1927 in Palestine, the daughter of the late Thomas H. Roy Sr and Blanche Harding Roy Faunce.

She was also preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Frankie Novak in 2004; brothers, Thomas Roy Jr, and Jack Roy; and sister, Maurine Ivory.

The Novaks moved about during Frankie’s 17 year Naval career. They returned to Palestine in 1988 to help care for Jean’s mother and enjoy the companionship of her sister and brothers again. They moved back to Calif. in 1997.

Jean had many talents, painting, quilting, gardening, and cooking to name a few. She retired from Hamilton Air Force Base at the highest level a civilian could attain; she sold real estate in Novato, Calif.; and she operated a successful antique business in Palestine in the 1990s. Whatever she set her mind to do, she did well.

Jean is survived by daughters, Rebecca Harte, and Pamela Warfield of Calif.; sons, Frankie Novak Jr of Ariz., and Sam Novak of Calif.; 15 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren. Locally she is survived by her sister, Margie Bernard, and sister-in-law, Laverne Roy.

Find A Grave