Sylvia Novotney

SYLVIA NOVOTNEY (nee Luther), aged 82 years passed away March 17, 2021 surrounded by her husband, children and sunshine. Sylvia was born January 18, 1939 in Spangler, PA to Helen and Urban Luther.

Sylvia spent her humble childhood creating her own fun around the small town— playing hide and seek, splashing in the swimming hole, and bowling at the alley attached to the school. Even at a young age, Sylvia played a significant role in caring for her family of 15, helping with the washing, cooking meals, and caring for her mother.

She met her sweetheart, John Edward Novotney, of Commodore, PA while she was in high school. After graduation, she moved to Cleveland, OH and was employed in payroll at Viking Copper Tube.

John and Sylvia were married on September 30, 1961 at St. Philomena’s Church. When asked what brought them together, John did not cite their similar upbringings, appreciation of music or shared values, but simply, “She was my love.”

Sylvia and John were blessed with three children: John, Donna and Kevin. She was a selfless, natural caregiver and cherished her time raising her children. When her children were young, the family settled in Chardon Township.

As her children grew older, she worked at the Deep Springs Trout Club in Chardon carrying out “whatever needed done.”

Sylvia and her family traveled throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe, visiting countless landmarks and distant cities. She kept detailed travel journals about their adventures, including the sights, foods they ate, and people they met. She particularly liked beaches and combing for pretty stones and sea glass.

Sylvia was everyone’s “Grammy,” but took extra care to encourage and entertain her seven grandchildren (Halle, Kristen, Megan, Daniel, David, Jill, and Lila). They treasure the time spent decorating cookies, playing make believe, picnic lunches at Squire’s Castle, and listening to songs and stories. They will remember her fiercely cheering them on from her folding chair at sporting events, in the passenger seat picking them up from school (with a snack), as leader of the water cleaning whirlpool, and a constant source of support and unconditional love.

She was a long time devoted member of the church of St. Mary, Chardon and a woman of strong faith. She offered her time and talents to others, volunteering for the church bereavement group providing meals and comfort.

Sylvia spent many evenings at the dining room table putting together puzzles, playing scrabble, and filling in beautifully precise coloring pages. A fiery competitor, she enjoyed watching baseball and football. She shared her love of music, beautiful voice, and made lasting friendships polka dancing. She enjoyed time in nature and took pride in her gardening.

Throughout the yard and in pots on porches and decks, bloomed well cared for flowers and greenery. Sylvia and John together like to visit casinos, wineries, and take afternoon drives. A favorite, and much talked about outing, was strolling the grounds of Our Lady of Guadalupe Statue in Windsor, Ohio.

A gracious and thoughtful host, Sylvia enjoyed bringing together family and friends by cooking and baking their favorites, playing games, and making her famous bubbles.

Classically beautiful, Sylvia was poised, polite and elegant, but contained grit, resilience, and spirit. She blessed every one who knew her with a shining example of loving motherhood, devoted marriage, never ending generosity and perseverance. Sylvia managed all things life handed her, good and bad, with grace, dignity, fortitude and wit.

Sylvia’s humble upbringings provided her with a sense of gratitude and an adaptable approach to life, one that we might do best to honor: “You never know what the day will bring.”

Beloved Wife and Sweetheart of John Edward Novotney for almost 60 years; dearest mother of John (Laura) Novotney, Donna (Kenny) Jevnikar, and Kevin (Susan) Novotney; Devoted Grandmother to Halle, Kristen, Megan, Daniel, David, Jill and Lila; cherished aunt, in-law, friend and “Grammy” to many.

Daughter of the late Urban and Helen (nee Miller) Luther, devoted sister of Joan (Dan) Midlick, Donita (Frank) Slovensky, Paul (Lacy) Luther, Patrick (Yvonne) Luther, Ruth (Robert) Componation, Judy (Albert) Kraus and the late Virginia (Bob) Kelly, Bill (Peggy) Luther, Ronald (Eva) Luther, Darl (Genevieve) Luther, Duane Luther, and Jim (Deanna) Luther. Devoted sister-in-law to the late Julia (Ken) Sohl; George (Betty) Novotney, Edward (Loretta) Novotney, Bern (Kathleen) Novotney, Ann Mae (Joseph) Girgas and MaryAnn (Michael) Knapik; and special friend to Palmina Semerano and Marcia Bellefeuille.

Contributions may be made in her memory to Hospice of the Western Reserve, P.O. Box 72101, Cleveland, OH 44192. Mass of Christian Burial Saturday, March 27, 2021, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 401 North St., Chardon at 10 AM. Family will receive friends at THE CHURCH SATURDAY MORNING 9 AM UNTIL TIME OF MASS. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery.

A celebration of Sylvia’s life will take place at a later date.

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