Theresa Novak, SCN, ended her earthly life of 70 years and began her eternal life on July 14, 2010. Sister was born in Canton, Ohio. In 1955, she entered the Vincentian Sisters of Charity from Sacred Heart Parish, Canton, and served God and the Church for 55 years.
Sister Theresa earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Mount Mercy College, Pittsburgh, Pa., and a Master of Social Work degree from West Virginia University. She taught for 10 years in both elementary and secondary schools in the Dioceses of Pittsburgh and Greensburg, Pa. Upon earning her Master of Social Work degree, Sister Theresa served for five years as Director of Community Relations for the Diocese of Steubenville, Ohio. She was then appointed Director of Catholic Charities for the diocese, a position she held for 10 years. Sister Theresa’s ministry changed again when she received her Nursing Home Administrator’s License and became the Administrator of the Villa de Marillac Nursing Home in Pittsburgh, Pa., where she served for 10 years. When the Vincentian Collaborative System was formed, Sister Theresa was appointed the first Executive Director, a position she held for 11 years. At the time of her death, she was the Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging. Sister was also a member of both the Board of the Faith-Based Network, and the Board for the Faith-Affiliated Insurance Program. Over the years, Sister Theresa has served on many other boards and committees in the fields of social work and senior care services.
Sister Theresa was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Mary Novak, and by her sister, Betty Jane Chessler and her brother, Joseph Novak. Among her survivors are her sister, Mary Paris and her brothers, George and Robert Novak, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, friends and her religious community.
