Obituary of Dorothy D. Nowak

Mrs. Dorothy D. Nowak, of Medina, went to be with her Lord and Savior on March 7, 2017 at the Medina Memorial Hospital. Mrs. Nowak was born in the Town of Yates, September 21, 1918, a daughter of the late George and Daisy (Durrant) Baker. She attended local schools and graduated from Medina High School, class of 1938. On November 4, 1939, she married Leonard P. Nowak at Sacred Heart Parish. She was a longtime, dedicated communicant of Sacred Heart of Jesus R.C. Church and a member of the Sacred Heart Mother’s Club and Rosary Society. On April 30, 1995, she was presented the Lay Award of St. Joseph by the Diocese of Buffalo for her selfless service to Sacred Heart Parish. Mrs. Nowak was employed by the H.J. Heinz Company, Johnston’s Linens, Fisher-Price Toys and part time at the Wise Jr. High School cafeteria. She operated Nowak’s Store for many years. She also worked for the Odell, Hart, and Johnston families in Medina. She was devoted to her family, a great cook and baker, enjoyed knitting, crossword puzzles, Wheel of Fortune and especially loved her garden. Survivors include her son, Paul G. (Pam) Nowak of Medina; son-in-law, Victor (Jeanne) Derefinko of Brockport; 2 granddaughters, Donna (Mark McGohon) Derefinko of KY and Karen (Matt Isaacs) Derefinko of TN; 2 great granddaughters, Katherine Shea McGohon and Henrieta Arlis Isaacs; several nieces, nephews, neighbors and friends. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Leonard, on Sept. 2 1971 and her daughter, Mary Ann Derefinko on January 30, 1987; her siblings, Mervin Baker, Grace Wheatley and William Baker. Friends may call on Friday (4-7) at the Cooper Funeral Home, 215 W. Center St., Medina. The Rev. Daniel J. Fawls will celebrate her Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday at 1:30 at Holy Trinity Parish/St. Mary’s Church and interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery. Mrs. Nowak loved her garden. Flowers would be a fitting tribute or memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Parish, Medina Memorial Hospital North Wing or a charity of one’s choice.