Mary Novak, 95 of Lincroft passed away on Saturday, April 26^th at Riverview Medical Center.

She was born in Woodbridge and had lived in the Monmouth County area for many years. Her family was her greatest joy. She loved to cook their favorite meals and desserts especially Banana Cream Pie, Apple pie, and Magic Seven Layer cookie bars. She never missed a family gathering. In addition to cooking, Mary was a great crocheter and made countless baby blankets that she would lovingly share with family and friends.

Another one of her favorite indulgences was taking trips to Atlantic City to play the slot machines. Later in life, Atlantic City was replaced by once a week NJ Scratch-Lottery tickets.

She could often be found at ShopRite and A& P, always scoring the best sales for her and her family.  Mary had a keen eye for value and getting the most for her money. She was always a great friend and neighbor to all who knew her.

For entertainment Mary enjoyed listening to, Tom Jones, Englebert Humperdinck, and a good Polka as well as doing her word finds and watching Wheel of Fortune.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was a cause dear to her heart. She was a volunteer for many years, well into her eighties, and helped to raise thousands of dollars for research.

In her golden years there were a few items she considered essential:  A crochet hook, clean tissues, a hard candy, and a phone.

Mary was pre-deceased by her brothers, John and Joseph Nikforchuk.

Surviving are her three daughters and their husbands, Joann and Paul Kittner, Karen and Tom Lapenta, and Cindy and Michael Berardi; her two grandsons, Paul (Melissa) and Michael as well as her great grandson, Derek along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visitation: Wednesday, April 30^th – 3 to 7 pm at the Holmdel Funeral Home., 26 S. Holmdel Road, Holmdel.  Mass of Christian Burial Thursday, May 1^st , 10:30 am at the Church of Saint Catharine, 108 Middletown Road, Holmdel. Entombment will follow at Holmdel Mausoleum.

Friends or family who wish to honor Mary’s memory may send floral tributes directly to Holmdel Funeral Home or make a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (cff.org), her favorite charity.