of Little Rock, AR
August 21, 1920 - May 26, 2019
Grace Louise Brewer Nowak, age 98, of Little Rock, died May 26, 2019. Grace was born August 21, 1920 in Leachville, AR and grew up and graduated from High School in Newellton, LA. Upon graduating from Shreveport Charity Hospital School of Nursing, she accepted a commission with the U.S. Army Nurse Corps and was assigned to the 10-th Station Hospital in Delhi, India. Her military service afforded Grace her first opportunity to travel around the world. After the end of World War ll, she returned to the states. After discharge, she worked at St. Francis Hospital in Monroe, LA and then the V.A. Hospital in McKinney, TX where she met the love of her life, Leonard Nowak.
Following their marriage, they made several career enhancing moves to Richmond, VA, Memphis, TN, Libertyville, IL and finally to Little Rock, AR where Len was Chief of Medical Administration at both VA Hospitals. The Catholic church was always the core of their network. Grace was active in Holy Soul Catholic Church activities serving on the Altar Society and enjoying the Seniors group. She shared her nursing talents by volunteering at AR Children's Hospital and AR Department of Health with the Newborn Hearing Screening program.
Grace was a champion bridge player and excellent seamstress who also enjoyed reading and traveling. Len and Grace loved exploring in Hawaii, Mexico, Canada and many countries in Europe. She kissed the Blarney Stone on her 70th birthday and brought holy water home from Lourdes. She and Len shared a fierce love of children having fostered children before having their own. They loved attending school programs, athletic, theater and dance performances.
Ever the consummate hostess and gourmet cook, Grace always had an open door and heart. After the death of Grace's contemporaries, she became the matriarch for the children of all her friends and relatives, hosting many laughter-filled dinners and cocktail parties for them. By no coincidence, the name ''Grace'' embodied the kindness and compassion she demonstrated for her loved ones throughout her life.
Grace is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Leonard William Nowak; a daughter, Cheryl Jeanette Nowak; granddaughter, Sheryl Ann Nowak, and all her eight siblings. She is survived, and dearly missed, by her three children: William/Bill (Ginger) Nowak of Festus, MO; Margo (Robert) Bushmiaer of Hot Springs; Charles (Patrice) Nowak of Heber Springs, AR; 14 grandchildren, their spouses, 10 great-grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces, friends and children of friends.
The Rosary will be Sunday, June 9, 6:30 pm at Marylake Carmelite Monastery. Funeral Mass will be Monday, June 10, 9:00 a.m. at Our Lady of The Holy Souls Catholic Church, with Rev Fr. Gregory Ross, OCD and Rev Fr. Ralph Reyes co-officiating with interment in the Arkansas Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in her honor to Our Lady of the Holy Souls Catholic Church, 1003 N. Tyler St, Little Rock, AR 72205 or Marylake Carmelite Monastery, 5151 Marylake Dr., Little Rock, AR 72206.
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8 Condolence(s)
James R. Wilson
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
I just learned of Aunt Graces passing. My thoughts and prayers to the family. I remember all the good times we had at family reunions at her sisters place out on Lake Saint Joseph at Winterquarters in Newellton, La. I always waited on Aunt Grace to arrive for those reunions. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten.
Cathy Martin Urbanek
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Dear Bill, Margo, and Charlie,
I will miss your mother. She always held a special place in my heart and that will continue. So sorry that I cannot be with you for her services. I will pray for her and for your whole family that you may find peace and comfort in the coming days.
Love, Cathy
Sarah Brewer Thompson
Saturday, June 8, 2019
Dear Bill, Margo, and family. I remember how welcoming your mother was every time I would visit your home. She always made me feel special. Love to you and extended family.
Patricia Brown
Monday, June 3, 2019
What a powerful legacy left by such a strong, compassionate, loving person. Proverbs 22:1 tells us “...to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.†It sounds like Grace Nowak was a very wealthy person in that respect.
Margo, you can be assured I am praying for you and your family at this special time as your miss your mother’s presence with you and pray you find comfort in knowing she had a life well lived.
Patricia
Shelia Bivens Thrower
Monday, June 3, 2019
Grace is a name so fitting for a lady of your character. Your characteristics are well worn in your legacy of your daughter Margo. Rest in the Lord until that great getting up morning. Until then, we will take care of her for you. My sincerest condolences to the entire Nowak family and friends.
FREDERICK L FIELDS
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Margo, after reading your mom's obituary, I now clearly see where your passion and love for what you do surfaced from. I am in prayer for you and your entire family, and you already know I stand ready and willing to support you during this time in any way possible.
Virginia A Russell
Sunday, June 2, 2019
Dear Sweet Grace. I will miss you. The wotld is less bright with out your kindness. I will always remember your holy genuflection at church. Your prayers for us will no doubt continue.
You are so ver much loved by us at Holy Souls.
Whayne Stapleton
Thursday, May 30, 2019
So sad to hear of Graces passing.What a beautiful lady and devout Christian.All my prayers are with the family.I will miss seeing her coming thru my salon doors.All my love Whayne.