Margory Hoya (Schwoob) Novak

Margory Hoya Novak was born on December 22, 1935, in San Francisco, California, to her proud parents, Leslie Allen Schwoob Sr. and Genevieve Mae Smith Schwoob.  She passed away on April 8, 2017, after a long illness.  Three brothers, Les Schwoob Jr., Hank Schwoob, and Nick Carlson; three nieces, three nephews, one grandniece, and three grandnephews survive her.  She was the surviving widow of John Novak Sr. of Novato.

Margory attended Abraham Lincoln High School, San Francisco State College and, in subsequent years, attended Sonoma State University, where she studied psychology.  She was a lifelong Bay Area girl.  Born in San Francisco, she lived in San Anselmo, Novato, Santa Rosa, and finally Sonoma.

She enjoyed a working career that included a period of time as a sales representative for Gump’s of San Francisco, an auditor for P.G. & E., and then as a consulting instructor for Creative Merchandise Art Center and Friedman’s Microwave Center.  Later in life she served her community by volunteering at the Sonoma County Women’s Crises Center.

Margory was an award-winning doll artist.  Her creations include the manufacture of fine porcelain-headed dolls with finely tailored outfits to whimsical Father Christmas.  She also created Teddy Bears and marketed them through her company, Marganova Bear Works.  Products of her creation are spread throughout the country.

Services will be held at 1 P.M. Saturday, May 20, 2017, at Duggan’s Mission Chapel, located at 525 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA.

A celebration of her life will follow at the Pueblo Serena Clubhouse, located at 951 5th Street West, Sonoma.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Salvation Army, Vintage House, or the Council on Aging.

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