Erving, MA – Jolynn Elizabeth Novak, age 45, of 15 E. Prospect St. Erving passed away on August 3rd, 2026 surrounded by many of those who loved her, after an unexpected medical event which occurred on August 1st. Jolynn was born on April 7th, 1981 in Greenfield to Michelle Sandlin and Joe Novak. She attended Erving Elementary and graduated from Turners Falls High School in 1999. Jolynn worked in the service industry throughout her life, including Applebee’s in Greenfield for many years and most recently at the Steel Pub and Tap House in the Athol area. She also managed the Orange Roller Skating Rink pre-Covid and was the owner of Jumping Beans Bounce Houses. Her most beloved job was Program Assistant at Camp Safe Haven, a program for children with AIDS in Martha’s Vineyard. She enjoyed working with all the children and tirelessly fundraised in many parts of the country speaking about the importance of this program that was so near and dear to her heart. She also volunteered with Youth Futures International working with youth on leadership and responsibility.
Jolynn will be remembered by her strong, vibrant personality, her ability to live life on her terms and her fierce love of her family and friends. Becoming a mother to Jaylice was one of her proudest accomplishments. Jolynn loved to plan adventures, cruises being her favorite. Her travels with Jaylice and her friends led her far and wide on many trips to places like Mexico, Aruba, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, Spain, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Alaska. When she was closer to home, she enjoyed camping in Maine and New Hampshire and tubing down the Deerfield River. She was a lifelong avid pool player and was involved in many pool leagues throughout Franklin County. She always lit up a room the moment she walked in and was a friend to everybody.
Besides her daughter Jaylice Gary and her parents, Michelle Sandlin and Joe Novak all of Erving, she leaves her brothers Shane Novak of Erving and Craig Novak of Wendell, a nephew Chace Novak of Wendell, a niece Destiny Lawrence of Pittsfield, her Aunts, Carol Novak-Demers and husband Ed Demers of Colrain and Amy Hendricks and husband Jeff of Northfield, and many cousins. Jolynn was predeceased by her grandmothers Marilyn Sandlin and Helen Novak, and her aunt Kathy Sandlin. She also leaves many close lifelong friends as well as her dear friend Patrick Provost from Holyoke.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone in the community for the vast outpouring of love and support already received during this time. Jolynn’s kind and caring nature is shown even in her death by being an organ donor. Her gifts will help many others live.
There will be a Celebration Of Life for Jolynn on Sunday, October 25th at The Elks Club in Turners Falls, MA from 2-6 pm.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.
Click here to sign the guest book or honor their memory with flowers, donations, or other heartfelt tributes