RACINE – Laurie Novak-Simmons, 51, leapt forth from our presence on Leap Day, providing one last show of her characteristic effort to stand out and her knack for impeccable timing. Laurie was born May 14, 1960 in Racine, Wisconsin to Elizabeth King and Myron Novak.  She passed away in her home.

A renaissance woman, Laurie opened one of the first all-women's health clubs in Wisconsin in her early twenties.  She also worked as a beautician, delivered packages for UPS, and waitressed. In her thirties and forties, she owned and operated three bed and breakfasts, including the Brockway House in Macomb, IL, the Manor House in Kenosha, and the Christmas House in Racine.  In her late forties, she embarked on a new career path in nursing. She was one semester from completing her degree when she passed. Laurie never gave in to the illness that took her life. She maintained her sense of humor and love for her family, and remained enthusiastic about her career to the end.

Her creativity, ambition, passion for learning and interest in travel lives on in her five children, Lynnsey (Ryan) Jones, Courtney Doucette, Joseph Spanbauer, Mallory Simmons, and Kennedy Simmons. She is further survived by her parents Elizabeth and Myron, her sister Wendy (Robin) Draves, and brother Buddy Novak, her two grandchildren, Cayden and Finn Jones, and her niece and nephew Elizabeth and Evan Draves.

A memorial service will be held at Evangelical United Methodist Church (212 11th Street, Racine, WI) at 3pm on Saturday, March 3, 2012 with Rev. John Flemming officiating. Visitation will begin at 2pm.

The family would like to thank Amy Maki, Alex Garcia and the outstanding team from Heartland Hospice and Homecare, who provided the best care to Laurie in her final days and taught her children how keep her comfortable in her home.