Date of Birth: March 20, 1939
Date of Death: March 23, 2025
Emilia Novak of Melville, passed away at the age of 86 years, with family at her side, on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Emilia (Rusitch) was born on March 20, 1939, the youngest daughter of Joseph and Annie Rusitch of the Waldron, SK, area. She attended school in Waldron.
Emilia married Jim Novak on June 17, 1957, at St. Mary’s Church in Grayson, SK. After they married, they farmed for 36 years in the Waldron district. Due to Jim’s declining health (multiple sclerosis), they sold their farm in 1993 and moved to Melville, SK, to retire.
Emilia can be described as a caring, loyal and loving person with the softest heart, treating everyone with kindness, compassion and grace. She was a true Christian role model who was looked up to and with whom many resonated.
Emilia loved the farm life and worked alongside Jim as an equal, raising seven children. Between farming and tending to the home, she spent her time caring for the children and supporting their activities/sports. She drove the tractor, combine, half ton, was always milking the cows and caring for and feeding the chickens and pigs. Emilia’s love of gardening and providing for her family was represented by her large garden and all the canning and pickling she did. She worked hard, was always busy but always found the time to cook amazing meals and bake tons of sweet treats for her family. Christmas was an especially favourite time for Emilia, always hosting the family for Christmas Eve, cooking an amazing meal and enjoying seeing everyone together.
Emilia was predeceased by her loving husband, James Novak; her parents, Joseph and Annie Rusitch; sisters Frieda (Mike Polowitz) and Hilda Selensky; and brothers Emil Rusitch and John (Ardelle) Rusitch. She is survived by her loving children, Debbie (Robert), Murray, Danny, Lucy (Darcy), Carol (Vaughn), Darren (Dodi) and Michelle (Keith); numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and brother-in-law Larry Selensky.
Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated for Emilia on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church, Melville, with the Rev. Fr. Melchor Samonte celebrating and Deacon Dave Hudy assisting. The music was led by Len and Anna Gadica. The cross bearer was Shelby MacDonald, and the readings were by Dodi Novak and Robert Riess. The eulogy was presented by Murray Novak. Interment took place in St. Henry’s Parish
Cemetery with Murray Novak, Ryan Riess, Jason Riess, Adam Mountney, Riley Mountney, Carter Novak and Mason Novak acting as pallbearers.
Arrangements were entrusted to Matthews Funeral Home, Melville.
