Sister Mary Novak OSB

Sister Mary Hope Novak died on September 13, 2017 in Benet Hall at St. Scholastica Monastery.  She was in her seventy-third year of monastic profession.

Born in Virginia, Minnesota, November 26, 1923, Katherine Terese was the seventh of Frank and Rose (Skrabec) Novak’s nine children.  She graduated from Virginia High School before entering St. Scholastica Monastery in 1941.  Sister took her Perpetual Vows on July 11, 1946.  She celebrated her Silver Jubilee in 1968, her Golden Jubilee in 1993, her Diamond Jubilees in 2003, and 2013.

Sister earned a B.S. in Elementary Education from the The College of St. Scholastica.  Her teaching career spanned twenty-six years in Duluth Catholic grade schools.  She also served as a Principal at Marquette School in Virginia from 1968-1970.  She found joy in preparing Children for First Communion at Sacred Heart School for thirteen years.

Following her years as an elementary school teacher and principal, Sister Mary Hope was sent to Hibbing General Hospital where she worked in the business office and nursing service as an administrative clerk.  She also was secretary of the Hibbing Medical Foundation in the early 1970’s.

When she returned to the Monastery she was made Coordinator of Community Renewal, and served as the Purchaser for the Monastery.  In 1975, she took charge of the Monastery Greenhouse, where she provided good instruction to buyers about the care of the plants.

In her assignment as Purchaser, Sister was responsible for distributing various material goods collected by Sisters for appropriate charities.  She became curious about “antiques” which led to creating an antique Shop called “This and That” housed in Tower Hall.  She learned to repair items, especially old watches and clocks.  She once declared, “If you can read, you do anything.”  This belief served her and her Community well.

Sister Mary Hope was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, William, Daniel, Joseph, Brian and sister, Bertha Wright.  She is survived by her Sister-in-law Maryann Novak, nieces, nephews, friends and the Sisters of St. Scholastica Monastery.

The Wake Service/Morning Prayer will be held on Saturday, September 23, 2017 in Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel, at 10:00 a.m.   Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Brian Schultz presiding.  Interment will be in Gethsemane Cemetery.  Arrangements are by Dougherty Funeral Home.  Memorials to St. Scholastica are preferred