Donna Jo Novotney

November 24, 1929 - September 07, 2010

Donna Jo (Burk) Novotney, 80 of Seelyville, passed away unexpectedly September 7, 2010 at her residence.

She was born November 24, 1929 in Terre Haute, the daughter of Joseph Burk and Mary McKinney Burk. She graduated from Glenn High School in 1947. That same year, she married Paul J. Novotney, who preceded her in death after 62 years of marriage.

Donna was a life-long member of Holy Rosary Church and was active in serving her community throughout her life. She especially enjoyed her involvement in the “Friends of Seelyville”. She also volunteered at Catholic Charities and was very active in the Christmas Store Project. She enjoyed her membership in the Honey Creek Garden Club. She was a former 4-H Leader in Lost Creek Township, and served as art instructor at Annunciation School. She served as past-president of her regional NCCW organization.

From 1955-1980, Donna worked alongside her husband in the limestone business they owned. Donna enjoyed art, music, cooking, history, gardening, and traveling. Above all, Donna was a cherished mother and grandmother who loved to spend time with her family, friends, and neighbors. She is fondly remembered as a very warm, cheerful, and outgoing individual who loved to share stores about her family and local history with others.

Donna is survived by her five children; Paula Sexton (Robert) of Brownsburg, Joseph Novotney (Bonnie) of Terre Haute, Gloria Novotney-Baker (Kent Baker) of Indianapolis, Maria Novotney of Denver and Christopher Novotney (Kim) of Clinton. Five grandchildren, Scott Novotney, Chrislyn Novotney, Jordan Novotney,(Kelly) Jill Sexton and Shambra Jennings (Jim); step-grandchildren, Sara Dowdy and Brad Rayce; great-granddaughter Cadence Novotney and two step-great-grandchildren, Reece and Bailey Dowdy; sister in law, Sue Burk of Brazil. She is also survived by many cherished relatives, friends, and neighbors.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Thomas J. Burk and her beloved husband Paul Novotney.

Funeral Information

Visitation will be Friday at French Funeral Home, 421 E. National Ave, Brazil, from 4-8pm with Rosary Service beginning at 3:30pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 10:30am at Holy Rosary Church in Seelyville with Father Harold Rightor officiating. Entombment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Donations Information

Memorial contributions may be directed to Holy Rosary Church, 2957 N. Main St. Seelyville, IN. 47878 or to the Friends of Seelyville, P.O. Box 249, Seelyville, IN. 47878. Donna’s family would like to express their gratitude to their friends Roy and Joann McKee for their help and support.