Belated sympathy to the Novak family on the death of their mother and grandmother, Catherine Novak on Aug. 10. She was beautifully eulogized by her son, Tom, during her funeral Mass at Mater Christi Church. Mrs. Novak had a full life, much happiness, much sadness. Her husband died many years ago. We all remember the tragic death of her daughter, Joyce, also years ago. Another son, John, died young. Living sons, Tom and Dave, are well known to us. Dave’s children are Nic and Daniel; Tom’s daughter is Joy. Catherine Novak had many grandchildren to fill her life as well. Sympathy to all and fond remembrances, too.
The Goodmans had a grand party last weekend, as only the Goodmans can have. One of the guests was an old-time Journal/Review person, Leanne Pavel, remember her? Erika and her husband, John Osborn, were there with their little redhead, Victoria Osborn. A true Goodman is Kathy, but with the name Osborn. The Goodman home is an art museum with the works of the kids and grandkids proudly displayed on the walls of the living and dining rooms. One special prize winner is L.A.’s prize piece, seen on the cover of Scholastic recently. The Goodmans should charge admission to their home.
International news: the canonization of Mother Teresa is set for Sept. 4. Mother Teresa was an Albanian Catholic nun, who founded an order of nuns and did wonderful work in India. A feather in the caps of many of our newer citizens from Albania, Kosovo and points Middle-Eastern. Mother Teresa went out there in the thick of it and held and kissed dying, diseased people. A man from Oak Park, now deceased, once brought her many large bags of rice. When Ed Spellman had his picture taken with her, She said, “Oh, it’s very nice rice.”
The holidays will soon be with us and the Oak Park Women’s Exchange proudly presents its Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair. This year the fair has been moved to a new location. Percy Julian Middle School, 416 S. Ridgeland Avenue on Sunday, Nov. 6 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. $3 admission. For additional information, visit www.opwe.org.
Happy birthday this week to Kamryn Edwards, Bonnie Cimiglia, Lesle Kelley, Wilma Haley, Hazel Anne Rossi, Madelyn Entler, Donna Chan, Len Grappa, Marie Gianelli, Milady Gerger, Bethany Hawkins, Matt DeCosola, and Collen and Tiffany Cassiani.
Happy anniversary to Mary and Ron Moravec, Hafid and Sihan Hamacene, Jesse and Diane Collis, and Melissa and Anthony Turek.
And welcome to newcomer Lana Shelton who was born July 1!
Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life’s other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side of Chicago in a great neighborhood when it was a great time to be young.
