Lorena Ann Nowak

Princeton - Lorena (Lorey) Ann Nowak, born on October 8, 1952, in Chicago, Illinois; passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 31, 2024. She was the cherished daughter of the late Tullio and Grace (Labello) Carnesciali. Lorey was born in Chicago and grew up in Norridge, Illinois. She graduated from Ridgewood High School in 1970 and went on to attend Northern Illinois University, where she furthered her education. On August 19, 1972, she married Joseph Nowak in Chicago, beginning a beautiful marriage that lasted until his passing in 2019. Lorey and Joe met at Ridgewood in a play when she was a freshman and he was a sophomore. She worked for several years at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton, Illinois, where her compassionate spirit left an indelible mark on both colleagues and patients alike. Beyond her professional life, she was a beloved presence in her community and family. She loved being a grandmother and an aunt to her many nieces and nephews. A nature lover at heart, Lorey cherished her time camping at Woodhaven Lakes, where she found joy and peace among the trees. She loved to hike and had a special fondness for feeding birds, especially hummingbirds, whose beauty and grace captivated her. Lorey's warm spirit and love for life were deeply felt by her family and her church community, both of whom she held dear. Lorey will be remembered for her unshakable faith in God and her kindness, warmth, and devotion to those she loved. She leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion that will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. Survived by her daughter Erin Nowak Vache of Spring Grove, IL and son Mike (Becky) Nowak of Asheville, NC; sister Diana Dotson of Nashville, TN; grandchildren Jo, Asher, Amos, Rivers, and Daphne. Preceded by her parents, Tullio and Grace Carnesciali and her husband Joe of 47 years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for charitable distribution. A visitation will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024 at Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Services will be held on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at the Christ Community Church in Princeton, IL at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Pastor Brian Lord. There will be an hour of visitation at the church beginning at 10:00 a.m. Cremation rites will be accorded. Online condolences may be directed to www.norbergfh.com Arrangements by Norberg Memorial Home, Inc. & Monuments.

Lorena Ann Nowak

October 8, 1952 - October 31, 2024