Rose J Novak

Rose J. (Ippolito) Novak, age 90, passed away on February 4, 2025. Loving wife of Dr. Richard (Dick) Novak together for 68 years, Rose was the loving mother of Catherine, Richard Jr, and James. A true matriarch of her family, children, and great grandchildren, they always came first in her life. She was our rock. Born in Gary, IN where she attended Horace Mann High School, and then graduated from St. Ann’s Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago as a registered nurse and where she met her husband. She began her career as a nurse at Hines VA Hospital in Maywood, IL and then as a head nurse on a surgical unit in Madison, WI. She came to Rockford with her husband and young family in 1962 and loved living in Rockford and all the friends she made over the years. Was active in the Rockford Women’s Club and Winnebago County Medical Society Auxilary. A serious gardener, her home was always surrounded by flowers every spring and summer. An avid reader, she would finish at least one and often two books a week. Member of Holy Family Parish and Rockford Country Club. But by far she will always be remembered by the love she shared unselfishly with her family and friends.

Predeceased by her immigrant parents, James and Palma Ippolito; sisters, Sylvia, Mary, and Pam. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Richard Novak, Rockford, IL; children Catherine Novak Davidson, Annapolis, MD (Eric, children Michael, Davidsonville, MD, and Noa (Harrison), San Francisco, CA), Richard, Rockford, IL (Amy, children Brianna and Richard III), and James, Rockford, IL. Two great-grandchildren, (Sebastian and Sage, Davidsonville, MD). 

Funeral Mass Saturday February 15, at 11:00 AM, Holy Family Church, 4401 Highcrest Rd, Rockford, IL 61107. Visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, say a prayer for Rose and your loved ones. She would like that. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com