Helen M. (Gerondelis) Novak

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Helen, the center of our family, a caring and devoted wife, a loving mother, and cherished sister, aunt, cousin, and friend.

She left us peacefully on January 18th, at her home in Franklin, MA, surrounded by her husband, Dave, and son, Nicholas, who have lovingly cared for her during her three plus year battle with pancreatic cancer. They will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.

Helen is survived by her devoted husband of 35 years, David H. Novak, and loving son, Nicholas Novak, and his partner, Megan Niggle of Brooklyn, New York. Her brother, John and his wife, Ann Gerondelis of Atlanta, and their adult children, Stacy of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Isa of Brooklyn, New York.

She was predeceased by her parents, Nicholas and Maria Gerondelis, and 4 aunts and uncles.

Helen was born and raised in Middlesex, New Jersey. She graduated from Middlesex County College in Business Administration, then Boston University with a BA in Sociology and continued to pursue her interest of marketing in special programs at Harvard University Graduate School of Design.

Helen retired from a 35-year career as a marketing and public relations professional in the architectural and construction industry where she was recognized as a leader and mentor to young women in the profession. Prior to her retirement, she served for ten years as Public Relations Manager for Consigli Construction. Previously Helen had been an Associate Principal/Director of Public Relations for 25 years at Add Inc. (now Stantec).

Helen was recognized as an expert in public relations. She received major recognition for her firm's project accomplishments, specialized achievements and unique skills in a multitude of national, regional and local projects related to engineering, building and specialty trade and construction award competitions. This included the Publicity Club of New England Bell Ringer Award and multiple SMPS Communication and Achievement Awards. She was an active member of the Boston Public Relations Organization.

During the past decade, Helen discovered a hidden talent and love of painting, especially oils and watercolor. She shared her talent with family and friends in paintings, her annual Christmas card designs, and note card designs.

Helen loved going to New York City to take in shows, museums and special dining experiences with her family, and travels to Cape Cod and Ogunquit, Maine, where she appreciated the beauty of the ocean and spending time with friends.

Helen loved entertaining and will be remembered for the annual Helen and Dave Halloween party. She loved planning special events for Nick, Dave and her family and friends. Her flair for entertaining brought gatherings to another level.

Helen was active in her local community, responsible for public relations for the St. Mary’s Church Women’s Club, and the friends of the Franklin Library, and was booth co-chair with Dave at the annual St Mary Rocco festival for many years. Most recently she held the office of Vice President for the Franklin Arts Association, scheduling the demo artists for meetings, and also contributed to the design of the new brochure, and exhibited art in ARTWALK in Franklin.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend her funeral Monday January 23rd, at 10AM from the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. followed by a funeral Mass in St. Mary's Church, 1 Church Square Franklin at 11AM.

Interment will follow at the parish cemetery.

Calling hours are Sunday from 2-5PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please donate a gift in Helen’s Memory to Dana Farber to accelerate Critical Pancreatic Cancer Research. www.danafarber.jimmyfund.org (Remember to click on the box - My gift in Memory of Someone and fill in Helen Novak)

Guestbook www.oterifuneralhome.com