Julie Marie Novak

Our beloved Julie Novak, of Hurley NY, passed away on August 31, 2024. She was 51 years old.

Julie was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, and raised in Stow, Ohio. She graduated from SUNY New Paltz and remained in the area for the rest of her life. The Hudson Valley became her home and playground. Her departure leaves a void that is impossible for anyone else to fill. There truly was no one like Julie.

Julie was a force of nature. She had the unique ability to remind us all that life's challenges could be met with both a sense of justice and a well-timed punchline. No one left her presence without sharing at least one laugh. Whether it was a small family gathering or a major event, Julie's presence was the gravitational pull that brought everyone together.

A multi-talented performer, writer, and musician, Julie's creative spirit touched countless lives. She and her wife Eva Tenuto co-founded TMI Project. Together, they helped thousands of people tell their stories and be heard. Julie was a producer and program director at The Future Perfect Project and was especially proud of the work she accomplished in partnership with LGBTQIA+ youth. Julie was the host of No One Like You, a weekly radio show program where she interviewed everyday heroes who shared uplifting stories about turning their kryptonite into their superpower. Most recently she shared her experience living with metastatic triple negative breast cancer on her blog, America's Next Top Cancer Patient. She inspired many people to get mammograms and other preventative screenings. She was proud to leave a legacy of eclectic work behind.

Julie brought the same passion and energy to her relationships as she did to her work. Her family and friends, whom she loved fiercely and deeply, were central to her life. Julie is survived by her wife, Eva Tenuto; sister, Jill Kouri, and brother-in-law, Craig; brother, Steven Novak, and sister-in-law, Tara; nieces, Sophia, Josie, and Lena; nephews, Joey, Miles, Gavin, John, and Aiden; mother-in-law, Alice Tenuto; and sisters-in-law, Stephanie Nephew and Emily Maduemezia. She is predeceased by her parents, John and Starr Novak, and her father-in-law, John Tenuto. Julie's chosen family was vast and equally important to her, and their love for her knew no bounds.

Though the world feels a little less bright without Julie's physical presence, we take heart knowing she's out there, pulling pranks, making us laugh and feel loved, and reminding us to speak our truth with courage.

In the coming year, a memorial fund will be established in Julie's honor. For now, as per her wishes, memorial tributes can be made to TMI Project , ensuring that her legacy continues to thrive and inspire.

Details about a memorial service will be announced shortly.