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Memorial Keepers(1)
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Tracy Novak
Virginia Lee Novak
February 22nd, 1928 - January 9th, 2022
February 22nd, 1928 - January 9th, 2022
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Simona Klaus
It is challenging to put to words the feelings that arise when thinking of Virginia. (I always loved her name, though she preferred Geanie as she explained once). Immense gratitude, respect and amazement come to mind. I had had an opportunity to meet Virginia and her close family for the first time back in 2010. Well, we’ve met before when I was a child and she visited Slovenia with her husband Donald. She was my great grandfather's youngest sister and being my grandmother’s aunt, we always referred to her to great aunt Virginia. The photo was taken in 2012 during my trip across the United States. We met at the airport and, among other sightseeing activities, visited the family farm in Pueblo. I will never forget how small the house is, knowing that 8 people lived there, and all of Virginia’s stories about hard and joyous moments there. For next few days she drove everywhere and refused to let me sit behind the steering wheel even for one drive. My favourite expression that always reminds me of her is “dumb dodo”. In 2016 she, her daughter Geanie and grandson Jack came to Slovenia and that was the last time we spoke in person. I am forever grateful for knowing her. May she rest in peace.
Tracy Novak
Pic of Mom, a week before she passed. I think everyone knew Mom was a bit of a curmudgeon (some say a lot). She was often without a filter, watch out if you were in her path. But everyone has a different life, and we all don’t know everything about a loved one, even a close relative. Here’s a few stories: Back in 1961 or so, Mom and Dad were forced to move out to Pinon to the old Stonich family farm. They had almost no money or resources after Dad lost his job in Denver. So they were back to the basics, like no running water or electricity. Mom told a story of having to go into town (Pueblo) to get supplies and asking for credit. Up to the time she left Pueblo, she always got her medicine prepared at the pharmacy that helped her so many years ago. Fast forward a few years… in 2010 Mom, Geanie, Donald and I went on a trip to Slovenia. We checked out where the family came from and had a very good time exploring our “roots”. On one excursion, we went to a famous underground cave system. The trail was several miles long with steep drop offs and stairways. Mom insisted on going with us (82 at the time). Things went fine for the first quarter mile or so, then got very difficult. Donald and I were on either side of her, then the cave attendant started following us. Mom was exhausted, but she would not be deterred, and finished with all of us several hours later. Finally a bit of a repeat, this time at Donald’s house (the Donastory) in Durango. Mom is 85 or so and decides she wants to walk the 1.5M trail with us. One particular section was very steep. Mom crawled on her hands and knees to get to the top. We were all amazed. Mom was very stubborn and you couldn’t tell her what she shouldn’t do. In the moment we were very frustrated, but upon reflection we much admired her for that Stonich tenacity! Mom, had a hard life growing up, the last child, suffered from stammering and tremendous lack of confidence in herself. She overcame these challenges if not others, and I will always remember and love her. Rest easy Mom…
Donald Novak
Mom at her assisted living facility in Durango. The move from Pueblo was hard for her, as she didn’t want to leave her family and friends. But she knew she could no longer manager on her own. With typical headstrong determination, she selected a few items from her home and moved into a very small space. While this was the beginning of a difficult period for her no one imagined that it was going to get worse. Covid-19’s arrival made her stay even more difficult as she was isolated, having to take meals in her room, wear a mask, etc. we celebrated Christmas through a living room window, staring at one another. The photo above is when she could finally meet her family “outdoor”. Nice smile!
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