Mary C. Nowak, 76, of North Tonawanda, NY, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 15, 2024 at Buffalo General Hospital. Born in Niagara Falls, she was the daughter of the late Bernard and Helen (Kitchen) Blake; and beloved wife of Robert Nowak who she married on July 4, 1970 in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church.

Mary graduated from Madonna High School in 1965.  She graduated from Bryant & Stratton and then went on to earn her Bachelor's degree from Niagara University and worked at the Carborundum Company in Niagara Falls for many years. She served on the Niagara Falls Chamber of Commerce Board, as well as the American Red Cross in Niagara Falls where she received many awards for her dedication to their fundraising achievements. She was also instrumental with the former Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls.

Following the closing of Carborundum, Mary began working as the Director of Human Resources at Niagara Envelope in Buffalo, NY, and moved to Plano, TX, when the company was acquired by American Pad and Paper.

Mary served as the Vice President of Human Resources at National Envelope in Dallas, TX and later retired from Comerica Bank as the Benefits Manager. In October of 2023, Mary and her husband, Robert, decided to return to their roots in Western New York to be closer to their family.

A devout Catholic, Mary was a longtime parishioner of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano. She was an avid cook, and loved reading, sewing and tending to her garden. Above all, she enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her two granddaughters.

In addition to her husband, Mary is survived by her daughter, Christina (Steven) Molak; her granddaughters, Gabriella and Olivia Molak; her siblings, Carol (late Phil) Beebe and Dennis (Jeannie) Blake; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mary's Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday May 25, 2024 at 9:30 AM at Christopher Roman Catholic Church, 2660 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Tonawanda, NY 14150. Inurnment in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lewiston, NY was held privately for Mary's family. In lieu of flowers, memorial offerings may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the American Heart Association. Visit mjcoluccifuneralchapel.com for online condolences.