Darlene Jeanette (Eaton) Novak's Obituary
Big Rapids - Darlene Jeanette (Eaton) Novak, 79, of Big Rapids, passed away Wednesday, February 5, 2020, at The Brook.
She was born February 19, 1940 in Big Rapids, the daughter of Les and Jeanette (Coyne) Eaton. Darlene became a dedicated educator, after earning her doctorate degree, and took a personal interest in all of her students. She and her husband, Bob, were the Grand Marshalls for the Ferris State University Homecoming parade in 2010. She was a role model when it came to higher education, but what she was best known for was her and Bob's antique shop in Big Rapids. The two owned and operated the Big Rapids Antique Shoppe for several years, getting to know many members of the community. Darlene had a love for the history behind the antiques that she sold, and loved sharing it with her customers. She enjoyed traveling the world with family, buying antiques along the way of course, gardening, and above all, spending time with her grandchildren at the cottage on Chippewa Lake. Her love for education and antiques, as well as her beautiful dimples when she smiled, will be remembered by all who knew her.
Those left to cherish her vibrant memory are her husband of 44 years, Robert Novak; children, Mark Liebetreu (Dana Barfield), David (Julie) Liebetreu, and Susan (Lynn) Lewis; siblings, Larry (Angie), Carol, Marlene, and James (Donna) Eaton; grandchildren, Zachary, Ethan, Alex, Abigail, Appollonia, Anthony, Alessandra; and two great-grandchildren, Von Rae and Veda.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents.
A Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids with Pastor Ted Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Martiny Township Cemetery in Rodney. Darlene's family will greet friends from 4 - 7 p.m., Friday, February 14, 2020 and again at 10:00 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in her name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association with envelopes available at the funeral home.
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