Marian Margaret Nowak

Age 87, passed away peacefully May 27, 2014 in Santa Barbara with family by her side. Marian was born June 5, 1926 in Shawano Wisconsin. She was married to her husband Stanley Lawrence Nowak July 17, 1948. They later moved to Santa Barbara in January1970 where they resided until their passing. Words cannot express the depth of Marian's life. Growing up the eldest of 4 children, she rose above poverty and difficult circumstances. After graduating from South Milwaukee High School (Wisconsin), Marian was swept off her feet at a dance where she met her future husband, Stanley. They soon married and started their family with their first child arriving in 1949 and last one born in 1969. Marian and Stanley were married for 54 years prior to Stanley's death in 2002. Stan and Marian parented 8 children with Marian choosing to stay at home to raise and nurture her kids. They demonstrated immeasurable amount of patience, strength and spirit to create a terrific family of 3 girls and 5 boys. Each child was blessed with unique abilities and skills, encouraged by parents who insured their kids were fed, clothed, and prepared each for their life journey. Marian was a Godly woman who taught life's lessons to her children, watching over them, praying continually for them and with them, and guiding them in Christ-like ways. Stan and Marian's family adventures took them across the country from Milwaukee to Boston then back again to Milwaukee and finally to Santa Barbara. No matter where they lived, they were available for their children. Marian often gave up her own activities and pleasures to insure her children had what they needed. She was a humble woman that did not demand much. She loved God, her husband, and her children with all her being and was a wonderful role model. She will be forever in the hearts and lives of everyone who knew her! Marian is survived by her sister, Helen Archambault, and brother, Conrad (Margo) Thill along with her 8 children: Robert (Evelyn) Nowak, Carol (Kenneth) Jacobson. Beverly (Gary) Schmidt, Richard (Susan) Nowak, Thomas Nowak, Gregory Nowak, Laura (Marc) Aldecoa, and Charles (Heather) Nowak, D.O. Her legacy also includes 19 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren. Marian is preceded in death by her husband Stanley, her parents Bertha and William Thill, and her brother James Thill. Marian's Celebration of Life will be Monday, June 2nd at 10:00 a.m. at St Raphael's Catholic Church, Santa Barbara where Marian was in the Ladies Auxiliary. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Santa Barbara. The family is asking in lieu of flowers, that donations be sent to The Hospice Of Santa Barbara, The Friendship House of Santa Barbara or the . Thank you Casa Rhoda for Marian?s care and support. Online condolences can also be made online at www.wrhsb.com

Marian Margaret Nowak

June 5, 1926 - May 27, 2014