Linda Novak

Linda Novak (nee Sliker), 71, of Pompton Lakes, NJ, passed away peacefully on September 18, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Paterson and raised in Totowa, Linda later moved to Wayne as a young girl. She was one of four children to Frank and Josephine Sliker. Linda attended Wayne Hills High School, graduating in 1972, and went on to study History at Montclair State University. After two years, she left school to begin her professional career, working in clerical and administrative roles at Prudential Insurance Company for several years.

Linda’s life took a beautiful turn when she was introduced to William Novak by her cousin Marc. Their courtship was brief but filled with love, and they married on May 15, 1976, at Our Lady of Consolation Church in Wayne. After a short time living in Florham Park, they settled in Pompton Lakes, where they welcomed the births of their two sons, Michael and David. Linda devoted herself fully to her family, embracing her role as a homemaker with love and dedication.

In September of 1988, Linda experienced the profound loss of her husband William at a young age. Left to raise two young children, she found the strength to carry on and move forward.  Later, through her sons’ school PTA, she learned of Timothy Decker, a widower with three young children. One Columbus Day, Linda prepared a meal and brought it to Timothy’s home, sparking a conversation rooted in shared grief and experiences. Months later, Timothy reached out to Linda through the phone book, and their friendship rekindled and blossomed. As fate would have it, they fell in love and on July 14, 1990, they were married at St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. Together, they created a blended family of five children, each embracing one other.

In 2009, Linda returned to the workforce as an administrative assistant at the Porro Law Group LLC in Pequannock, where she remained an essential figure who was a friendly and sympathetic face for people first walking through the door.

Outside of her work and family, Linda loved reading novels, cherished family vacations to Cape May, and delighted in antiquing trips to Peddler’s Village in Pennsylvania and Cape May. A true New York Giants and Yankees fan, she planned her days around the Giants and enjoyed listening to Yankee games on the radio, never missing the familiar voice of John Sterling. Linda was also known for her warmth as a hostess.  Linda’s home was the heart of family gatherings, holidays, and celebrations. Famous for her chicken parmesan and meticulous presentation, she made every event special. Christmas, in particular, held a dear place in her heart where every year she would proudly display her Spode dinnerware.

Linda’s Catholic faith was central to her life, and she was a devoted parishioner of St. Mary’s Church in Pompton Lakes. She will be remembered as outgoing, social, never shy with her opinions, and deeply selfless, always putting the needs of others before her own. Organized and detail-oriented, unintentionally funny and sometimes stubborn, she had a gift for forming lasting connections with people from all walks of life. Above all, her greatest joy and purpose were found in her family, to whom she gave her unwavering love and devotion.  Nothing in the world meant more to Linda than providing for and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Every morning she looked forward to spending time with her two grandchildren Audrey and Derek, whom she would personally drop off and pick from their school.

Linda also held a special place in her heart for her beloved dogs, BJ, Maggie, and Lola, who brought her companionship and comfort throughout the years. She often joked that Lola was her favorite child.

Linda was a truly special person who touched the lives of all those around her.  She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, colleagues, and all who were fortunate to know her.

Linda is survived by her husband Timothy Decker of Pompton Lakes, NJ, her two sons; Michael Novak and his wife Nicole of Pompton Lakes, NJ, and David Novak of Fair Lawn, NJ, three step-sons; Timothy Decker and his wife Alyssa of Basking Ridge, NJ, Christopher Decker of Langhorn, PA, and James Decker and his wife Danielle of Manchester, NJ, three sisters; Carol Schimpf of Wanaque NJ, Lori McNeil of Vernon, NJ and a sister Sandy, two grandchildren; Audrey Novak and Derek Novak, and six step-grandchildren, Lily, Brooke, Emma, Grace, Leila, and Ellie. She was predeceased by her first husband William Novak in 1988 and by her parents Frank and Josephine Sliker.

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In lieu of flowers, donations in Linda’s name may be made to Bloomingdale Animal Shelter, 23 Brandt Ln, Bloomingdale, NJ 07403.