JUDITH ANN "COOKIE" NOWAK, age 92, of Portage, passed away Wednesday, May 11, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was born to the late George and Sophie Tyuty on December 22, 1930 in Gary, Indiana. She was a longtime member of Assumption B.V.M. Catholic Church and where she was a Eucharistic Minister and choir member. Judy also volunteered for St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary. She loved working as a switchboard operator at Radisson Hotel and local hospitals, most recently at St. Mary Medical Center. Judy was very generous of heart and loving and will be remembered as a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend.

She is survived by her 3 children, Fr. David Nowak, Portage, Gregory (Therese) Nowak, Downers Grove, IL and Lorrie Geer, St. Petersburg, FL; 6 grandchildren, Dr. Lindsay Nowak, Michelle and Nicole Nowak, Emily (Matthew) Hink, Noah Geer, Rylee Geer; great grandchildren, Rosie and Matthew, Jr. Hink.

Judy was also preceded in death by her husband of 57 years in 2010, Eugene H. Nowak and daughter, Kathleen Nowak.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Share Foundation.

Funeral services for Judy will be, Thursday, May 18, 2023 beginning with 9:30 a.m. prayers at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 W. Old Ridge Rd., then going in procession to Assumption B.V.M. Church for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. David Nowak presiding and Rev. Lourdu Pasala concelebrating. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 17, 2023 from 4:00 -7:00 p.m. at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel with a 4:30 p.m. St. Mary Medical Center Auxiliary Service followed immediately by a Prayer Service.