Rebecca Maureen Novak

Rebecca M. Novak, 60, passed away on March 18 in Colorado Springs. At her side were sons Scott and Eric, daughter-in-law Sarah, and her brother Michael. Becky was born June 26, 1964, to parents David J. Novak and Laurel M. Tavenner in Pueblo, who both preceded her in death. She spent her youth in many outdoor activities like camping, Girl Scouts, skiing and family travels. She often mentioned how lucky she was to grow up in Pueblo. She was a graduate of Central High School and was a proud Wildcat, and then attended and graduated from Monmouth College in Illinois and was a proud Fighting Scot. She found her calling in the grant profession, working primarily for hospitals and later for the Federal Government. Her career took her from Colorado to Illinois, Oregon, and Wisconsin. Ultimately, her soul led her home to Colorado, where she spent her final years. Becky will be remembered for the deep passion with which she immersed herself in her hobbies. She started boxing for exercise, which led to her fighting competitively and later serving for years as a referee and judge for USA Boxing. She grew to find fly fishing therapeutic, but beyond just buying her own equipment, she started to tie her own flies. She found companionship with her foster greyhounds, and became an active supporter of Colorado Greyhound Rescue and of her local greyhound club. She was an avid Broncos, Nuggets, and Avalanche fan, and during her tenure in Colorado Springs she became an enthusiastic Switchbacks soccer fan. She enjoyed hiking and mountain drives, and cherished trips to Cripple Creek with her sister-in-law Idelle. Above all else, she was a committed, loving, inspiring family person who adored her sons, daughters-in-law, and most of all her grandchildren. Nothing brought her more joy than watching the youngest generation take part in all of their activities. Her commitment was evident most recently when she traveled to Illinois in the midst of cancer treatment to see her granddaughter’s Nutcracker ballet and her grandson's basketball game. Becky also deeply cherished the relationships she had with her brothers, which were never stronger than during her final years. She is survived by sons Scott Hultgren (Stephanie) and Eric Hultgren (Sarah); grandchildren Owen, Evelyn, Apollonia, and soon-to-be Emiliano; siblings Michael (Kathi) and Patrick (Idelle); and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a contribution to one of the causes she found most life-changing: Colorado Greyhound Adoption or Casting for Recovery

Rebecca Maureen Novak

June 26, 1964 - March 18, 2025