Sandra K. Novak

Sandi K. Novak, 60, of Interlochen, went home to her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 4, 2013 at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City, Michigan.

Sandi was born January 26, 1953 to the late Frank and Minnie (Van Keppel) Roorda in Rensselaer, Indiana. She grew up in Northwest Indiana, spending time at a family farm sneaking tomatoes and bringing afternoon tea to her dad's upholstery shop. Sandi attended and graduated from Merrillville High School in Merrillville, Indiana.

On October 20, 1979, she married her workplace sweetheart, David Novak, in Chicago, Illinois. Together they lovingly raised four spirited daughters in Calumet City, Illinois and Interlochen, Michigan.

In earlier years, Sandi could often be found preparing luncheons at the Illiana Yacht Club in Whiting, Indiana; in the car driving one of her daughters to a sports practice, music lesson, or other activity; and relaxing on the backyard poolside deck with family and friends.

She was a gifted quilter, an avid crafter and enjoyed sewing, needle point, crocheting. Sandi was a prolific reader, with some of her favorite topics including U.S. Presidents, Pope John Paul II, and crime dramas.

Sandi was a lifelong animal lover, providing a home to the likes of dogs, cats, and birds; including several rescues. She had a passion also for shopping, baking, watching movies, and especially coloring with her grandchildren.

Sandi was an immensely proud grandmother of four, eager to be involved with her grandchildren in every capacity. She served for several years as a Board of Directors member for the Betsie Creek Crossings subdivision. Sandi also spent many years volunteering with various parent teacher organizations during her daughters' school years. She also made lasting relationships with many of her coworkers at Sears in Traverse City.

Sandi leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, David Novak of Interlochen, four daughters, Amanda (Shawn) Gaylord, Melinda Novak, Mary (Rod) Seaberg, Lyndsay (Michael) Tompkins, four grandchildren, Ella, Althea, Jillian, and Kahua, three sisters, Pamela (Thomas) Barnett, Jayne Roorda, Mary Martin, one brother, Frank Roordra, as well as many other loving family members, friends, and pets. Sandi was preceded in death by her parents, mother and father in-law, and brother in law John Novak.

Visitation for friends and family will be held Friday, April 12, 2013 from 4 to 7 PM at Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home in Traverse City, with the Rosary to be led at 6:30 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 11 AM.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Mott's Children's Hospital through www.mottchildren.org and to the Mid-Michigan location of The Ronald McDonald House through www.rmhc.org