Joanna "Awa" S. Novak

NOVAK, Joanna S. (Awa); of Clarkston; passed away on May 13, 2026, at the age of 96. Reunited with her Husband Edwin Novak.

Mother of Kathy Novak; Grandmother of Erin (Matt) Kuhn, Amanda (Angel Luna) Browe, Allie (Jordan) Dennis; Great Grandmother of Declan Kuhn and Brooks Kuhn; Sister of John Serafin, Joseph Serafin, Walter Serafin, and Mitchell Serafin. Preceded in death by her siblings and her parents Joseph and Katherine Serafin; also survived by her loving cat, Rocky.

Joanna, or as most people knew her, Awa, was the matriarch of the family, possibly even the queen. She will be remembered for her deep love of family, soft spot for animals, and the joy she found in any kind of potato dish. She was a bird-watching, candy-sneaking, story-telling, cat-loving, coffee-drinking, pierogi-eating, fun-time-loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who flew gliders in her prime and made spaghetti sauce tastier than any side street Italian restaurant. She always said she didn't have a big family, but her favorite time was when we were all together. Her lasting legacy will bloom brighter than blue hydrangeas in summertime.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday, May 21st  at 11:00am at St. Daniel Catholic Church. Family and friends may visit at the church any time after 10:30am.

Donations may be made to Clarkston Area Optimist Club P.O. Box 891 Clarkston, MI 48347. Please make checks directly to the Clarkston Area Optimist Club with the note, "On behalf of Joanna Novak".

Please consider leaving a memory or condolence on Joanna's online guestbook at www.wintfuneralhome.com.