Julia (Kovalchik) Novak

Novak-Julia 'Gigi', 90, of East Conemaugh, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully on November 10, 2025 at home surrounded by her loving and caring daughters. Julia was born on September 17, 1935, the last surviving daughter of Lewis and Anna (Madarasz) Kovalchik in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. Julia was blessed with two daughters, Christina Novak and Tamara Faight (John) and beloved grandmother "Baba" to two grandsons  who were like sons to her, Justin Novak (Lisa) and Ian Faight. Julia's greatest honor was being Baba to her great-grandsons: Samuel, Vincent, Mark and Lucas Novak. She is also survived by brother John Kovalchik and sisters-in-laws: Reba Kovalchik, Kathi Novak. Godson, Michael Kovalchik and numerous nieces and nephews who she cared for deeply. Lifelong friend Lillian Fulton. Preceded in death by her husband John; brothers Charles Kovalchik (Pauline), Lewis Kovalchik. Sisters infant Pearl, Mary, Olga, Cathrine Kovalchik, Eva Miller (Raymond), Pearl Mastovich (Samuel), Justine Herczegh (William): nephews George Mastovich, William Herczegh, Vincent Kovalchik; niece Kathi Jo Novak; sisters-in-law Helen Yuhas (Robert), Margaret Rzasa (Fred); brothers-in-law William and Joseph Novak. Graduate of Conemaugh High School and retired from Johnstown Bank and Trust cleaning offices. She was an exemplary Mom and Baba, a woman of deep faith with boundless love. She enjoyed cooking, baking, crocheting, sewing, making jewelry, flea marketing, road trips with family, babysitting Justin, Ian, Marina and Benjamin, volunteering at church hall for dances, making nut rolls, pierogis, paschas, holiday get togethers and her "sweets". Following the life journey of her daughters, grandsons and great grandsons brought her so much joy, along with feeding her "paw friends", Enzo and Moetwo ice cream, being in church, lighting candles and singing, Sunday greetings to her church family and friends who she adored and meant the world to her, along with her generosity and putting others first. She was very blessed with a long life, her 90th birthday was highlighted by all the cards, balloons and singing "Happy Birthday". Heartfelt thanks for all the prayers, love, support and visits, care received at MMC Palliative Care and Windber Hospice. She was forever grateful to Dr. Sirsikar, Dr. Brozetti, Dr. Fisher and staff for the great care over the years. Medical care, friendships with Kelli, Melanie, Jessica, Bridget, and Kellie. Great appreciation to Father George and Matushka Faith for everything. Julia will be forever loved and missed by family and friends. May her Memory be Eternal and the perpetual light shine upon her. Friends received Noon-3PM Sunday at Henderson-Makuchan Funeral Home, 434 First St., Conemaugh, where Parastas will be sung. Funeral service will begin at 9:30AM Monday at the funeral home and continuing immediately at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, with the Very Rev. Archpriest George Johnson. Interment, church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in memory of Julia Novak.

 

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