Blanche Marie Novak
November 27, 1916 ~ October 24, 2008
Resided in:
Pueblo, CO
Reverend Blanche Marie Novak, 91, went to be with her Lord on Oct. 24, 2008. She was born in New York, New York on Nov. 27, 1916. Her family moved to Gary, Ind., in 1920. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Novak. She is survived by her cousins, Lillian Durkin and Robert Novak; and her niece, Linda Haggerty.
Blanche attended Gary, Indiana schools and graduated from Emerson High School in three years with honors. She attended Southwestern Bible Institute and received her license with the Assembly of God Churches in 1936. In 1938, she became an ordained minister.
Reverend Novak and Reverend Alma Hodgson began construction of the Evangelistic-Tabernacle on the corner of Ninth and Fountain in Pueblo in 1943. They were coined 'the two preacher girls.' They made the blocks used for construction with a cement mixer the county loaned them. With help from the community, the church was dedicated on a Friday night in 1946. During this same period, they were members of the Civil Defense and served as drivers.
Blanche attended Southern Colorado State College where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. Degree. In 1965 and 1971, she received the Colorado Woman of Achievement Award in adult education. In 1989, she was nominated SCSC alumni of the year. Blanche was Director of the GED Program at Pueblo Community College and taught Adult Basic Education until her retirement. She also produced the 'Boys and Girls for Jesus' program for KDZA radio.
Viewing, noon to 5 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Service, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, in the Montgomery & Steward Chapel with Pastor Roger Ferguson officiating. Burial will be in Crown Point, Indiana. Special thanks to Life Care Center and to her friends and caregivers whose kind support and consideration contributed to the final chapter in her journey. Online condolences, www.montgomerysteward.com
To all who knew and loved Blanche:
I met Blanche when I was teaching at County High.Later,when I had stopped teaching to start our family, I enjoyed our visits at Safeway,etc. I had lost contact since the 1990’s; I didn’t realize that she was still IN Pueblo,and I am sorry about that. I am grateful that our paths crossed as I appreciated her POSITIVE INFLUENCE on my life. I am so grateful that God gave her such a long life to share her spirit with even more people. May her new journey be GLORIOUS!! Very sincerely,
Blanche was a one of a kind lady. She and Alma taught us “kids” scripture and many, many songs that I still sing to this day. She will be fondly remembered.
Linda Hudson
To Blanches family: I enjoyed my conversations with Blanche via the telephone. She was a very kind and giving person and always made me smile. Even though I only knew her through working with her on her income taxes, she shared her kindness through conversation. Best wishes to all of you
As a child, I listened to “BOYS AND GIRLS FOR JESUS” every week. Was amazed years later when I met Blanche and several of the ladies who were the “girls” at the radio studio who sang while she played the paino. Lots of good memories of a fine lady whom I shall miss.