Michelle E. Novak, 83, died Monday, September 05, 2016 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

She was born on March 27, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY to Rafael and Catalina (Romero) Santori.

She was raised in Brooklyn until she was 16 years old when the doctors sent her to the National Jewish Hospital in Denver to treat Tuberculosis. She graduated from Julia Richmond High School (New York City) and the Parks School of Business (Denver, CO) with a degree in secretarial studies. At 19, her doctors removed her right lung, saving her life, and she chose to remain in Denver until moving to Rapid City.

Michelle married Ray Novak on April 27, 1968 in Aurora, CO and the family relocated to Rapid City in 1970 when Ray was transferred by General Motors.

Michelle began working for the Bradsky Law Offices in 1981 as a legal secretary and worked there until health issues caused her to slow down. Mom loved the Bradsky's and considered them her second family. During her working years, Mom served on the Perpetual Help school board and was one of the original founders of Mayfest in Rapid City. She was committed to Catholic education and believed every child should have access even if they lacked financial resources.

Mom was a proud New Yorker, missed the big city and insisted she didn't have an accent. She was often upset when people said New Yorkers were rude and unfriendly especially because her friends and associates described her as friendly, outgoing, and happy. Michelle enjoyed golfing and her trips to Deadwood.

She is survived by her four children whom she loved fiercely: Lisa, Robert, Michelle and Angelina, four grandchildren, three great grandchildren and her twin brother, Arcenio.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Ray in 2015 and three brothers.

Memorials have been established to Mayfest to benefit the Rapid City Catholic Schools, Blessed Sacrament Church, the Rapid City Meals Program and the Dominican Sisters of St Cecelia's.

A visitation will be held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm on Sunday, September 11, 2016 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with a Christian Wake Service at 7:00pm followed by sharing of memories.

A Christian Funeral Mass will be offered at 10:00am, Monday, Sept. 12 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with interment at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Friends may sign her online guest register at www.osheimschmidt.com.