Shirley Novak, age 67, of Cass City, passed away April 9, 2011 at Tendercare, Saginaw.

She was born October 3, 1943 in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, the daughter of the late Julius and Zelma (Chain) Novak. In her youth Shirley lived in Deford and went to Cass City High School, Cass City, graduating in 1961. She made many, many friends through those years. Later Shirley moved to Detroit where she worked for the American Red Cross, only to be followed by her career at Pan American Airways. During her years at Pan Am, Shirley traveled the world enjoying not only popular travel destinations, but seeking exotic places such as Burma and Nepal, searching for every opportunity at cultural enrichment, while having the best time she possibly could, while there. Shirley later, after many years, returned from the Detroit area, to the peace and solitude of the Cass City area that she loved so very much.

Shirley was preceded in death by her father, Julius Novak. She is survived by her mother, Zelma Novak.

Shirley has helped many over the years, both friend, stranger and animal alike, by her numerous acts of kindness and generosity, They reflect her true nature of unconditional friendship and love, that has left her gentle, yet indelible mark on many places, and on many souls the world over. She was a true humanitarian who was greatly loved and will be greatly missed by all, leaving a part of the world a better place then when she arrived.

Honoring Shirley's wishes cremation has taken place. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.