Jane M. Nowak (Van Yorx)

Jane M. Nowak (Van Yorx) Age 99, of Northville, formerly of Detroit and St. Petersburg, Florida, passed away September 28, 2016.  She was born February 11, 1917 in Detroit, Michigan; daughter of John and Jane (nee Kasczubski) Markowski. Jane was united in marriage to Michael J. Nowak on July 17, 1943; they spent 33 loving years together until his death in 1976.  Jane was a graduate of Chadsey High School in Detroit; following graduation she attended Wayne State University for a year.  During WWII, Jane worked at the old Packard car plant in Detroit using a dynamometer to inspect small parts for airplanes.   She was honored by the company for writing a slogan about women contributing to the war effort.  Her slogan: "HARD WORK is a bargain price to pay for victory - Work to Win".  Jane also worked as a secretary for many years at Jacobsen Heating and Cooling. She was a member of Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in Northville.       Jane was very social and outgoing; she loved to attend parties and spend time with the “Birthday Club,” a group of good women friends that would get together throughout the years.  She also loved to visit her husband when he was working at Detroit Race Course.  Jane enjoyed playing games; poker, Canasta and other card games, and Scrabble were among her favorites.  She was an avid reader and also enjoyed doing crossword puzzles.  Jane loved to travel; following her husband’s death she visited many exotic destinations in all parts of the world.  She also loved the golden years she spent in Florida where she had many friends.  Jane is survived by her son Michael L. (Nancy Couch Nowak) Nowak; and her grandson Christopher M. Nowak.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant daughter, Carol Jane Nowak; her brother, Henry Markowski; her sister, Adeline Belanger; and her second husband, Welles Van Yorx. Visitation will be held Sunday, October 2, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. with a Rosary at 5:00 p.m. at Casterline Funeral Home, 122 W. Dunlap, Northville.  A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, October 3, 2016 at 10:30 a.m., instate beginning 10:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 W. 10 Mile Rd., Novi. The family would appreciate contributions toward Gregorian Masses by Miles Christi, please note Jane Nowak in the memo line.  https://www.mileschristi.org/donations/