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Painesville Location

1000 Mentor Avenue Painesville, Ohio 44077

Willoughby Location

38001 Euclid Avenue Willoughby, Ohio 44094

Mentor Location

6330 Center Street Mentor, Ohio 44060

Sara Novotney

09/13/1934 — 11/29/2019

Sara Novotney posing and smiling for a portrait photo

Sara Novotney (nee Venanzi), age 85 of Mentor, passed away on Friday, November 29, 2019 surrounded by her family. Sara was born September 13, 1934 in Adah, PA to the late Dominic and Lillian Venanzi, and she lived her entire adult life in Mentor, Ohio.

Sara is the loving wife of the late Floyd Novotney; dearest mother of Eugene (Alison) Novotney and Kevin Novotney; grandmother of Mia Lian Hong-Novotney; sister of the late Mary (Raymond) LeDonne and Elizabeth (Alfred) Antonini; sister-in-law of Tom (Betty-deceased) Danko; aunt of many, including Kathleen (Jim) Lyon; and cousin of many, including Judy Jones, Jean Zappia, Deanna (Brian) Finnerty, Larraine (Joe) Moore, Joyce (Jack) Patterson Goodstein, Dolores Whitbey, and Patricia (Jack) Johnson.

Sara’s life was devoted to her family and her faith, and she was extremely proud of her Italian-American heritage. She was famous for her love of cooking and baking, and she was especially known for her recipes for Rigatoni, Gnocchi, Pizza, and Pizzelle. She was a devout Catholic, and her faith guided her throughout the many twists and turns that her life presented her, always smiling, and never giving up. She was a founding member of Saint John Vianney Parish of Mentor, where she was a regular attendee at the Saturday evening mass for decades. One of the great joys of her later life was the birth of her granddaughter, Mia Lian Hong-Novotney, whom she cherished and adored. She was a great friend to many, and she always took the time to listen to peoples’ stories, especially when they involved family and children. She was always there for those who needed her help, and her commitment to her own family was legendary. She will be deeply missed.

The family will receive friends from 4-8 PM on Wednesday, December 4th at McMahon Coyne Vitantonio Funeral Home, 6330 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio. Her Funeral Mass will be held at 10 AM on Thursday, December 5th at St. John Vianney Church, 7575 Bellflower Road, Mentor (please meet at the church). Her Interment will be at Mentor Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Jeff Monreal Funeral Services.

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9 Replies to “Sara Novotney”

  1. My sincere condolences to the family

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  2. Sara we are truly going to miss you!! Our family loss a wonderful lady. God Bless and Rest In Peace my cousin Sara. I love you

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  3. Marcia (Hoop) Bowker December 2, 2019 at 7:34 pm

    My sincerest sympathy to Sara’s family. Although I have not been in contact, or have seen Sara since our 50th high school reunion, she always had a special place in my childhood memories. We first met on the first day of first grade on the playground at Palmer Elementary School. I used to sometimes spend the night at her home, situated by the railroad, remembering that her Dad worked for the railroad. I remember her mother who was so gracious and I loved her wonderful Italian dishes. After high school we both went our separate ways, keeping in contact for a time and meeting at our high school reunions. Please know that I cherish the memories with my friend, Sara, and offer my sincerest condolences to Sara’s family on the loss of a beautiful wonderful woman. There is no doubt in my mind that Sara is now with her heavenly family in the hands of our Lord.

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  4. Joyce Patterson Goodstein December 3, 2019 at 7:37 am

    Dear Cousin Sarah, May the Perpetual Light Shine upon you and may you rest in peace …You will be missed , but not forgotten. Love you Cuz.
    And for you and all your family, Eugene, our thoughts and prayers are with you, now, and always. You will carry her with you, always, in your heart. Take care…Love you. Cousin Joyce

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  5. Deanna&Brian Finnerty December 3, 2019 at 5:27 pm

    My dear cousin, we moved far away but we stayed in contact by phone and will always remember your calls, between your not hearing well and me not hearing well they were a trip. Love you with all are ♥️ . May love comfort your sons and peace be with you.

    Reply

  6. Gayle Long(Moore) December 4, 2019 at 1:12 am

    What a beautiful photo tribute to a wonderful woman who our family will surely miss. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with you all during this difficult time. May Sara rest in paradise. Love, Gayle

    Reply

  7. Sara you will be greatly missed! Our family lost a beautiful kind treasure.. Prayers to cousin Eugene and Kevin❤️

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  8. My deepest condolences to your family.

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  9. Prayers for your Mother and the family. May she Rest In Peace.

    Reply

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