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Mrs. Lillian Agnes Novak, age 92, of Ridgefield and Boonton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Thursday afternoon, November 20, at her residence in the Victoria Mews Assisted Living Home, surrounded by her family.
Born on December 4, 1932, in Cleveland, Ohio, Lillian was the daughter of the late Catherine and Charles Stegos. At the age of five, she moved to New York City on Christmas Eve and later made her lifelong home in Ridgefield, NJ.
Lillian was the cherished and devoted wife of 61 years to her beloved husband, Jack (Jakov). She was a loving mother to Thomas and his wife Beth of East Hanover, NJ; Charles and his wife Irene of Clinton, NJ; and Linda of Cherry Hill, NJ. She is predeceased by her children Elizabeth and John. Lillian was a proud and adoring grandmother to Thomas Jacob, Elizabeth, Alexander, and Jaclyn, and a joyful great-grandmother to little Charlie. She was also a devoted sister to her four late siblings—Antoinette, Jen, Peter, and Herman—and is survived by her nieces, Terry Farmer and Diane Bertolli, along with many dear friends who loved her.
A devout Catholic, Lillian was a longtime member of the Church of the Epiphany. She generously supported numerous charities and found great joy in arts and crafts, cooking, gardening, and caring for animals. Above all, she treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. Everyone who knew Lillian was touched by her warmth, kindness, and unwavering love.
The family will receive loved ones and friends at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at Blackley Funeral Home, 809 Broad Avenue, Ridgefield. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at the Church of the Epiphany, 247 Knox Avenue, Cliffside Park, on Tuesday, November 25, at 12:00 p.m., followed by interment at Madonna Cemetery in Fort Lee, NJ.
Flowers may be sent to Blackley Funeral Home. Donations in Lillian’s memory are also welcome to the North Shore Animal League.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Lillian Agnes Novak, please visit our floral store.