Lu Ann Novak

Lu Ann Novak of Bethlehem, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, at the age of 69. Lu was born to Margaret (nee Roberts) and Alan Unangst of Palmer Township. She is survived by her partner of 26 years Raymond Lodise and her daughter Katie Akerman, son-in-law Ken, grandchildren Mako and Marlin of Sarasota, Florida, sisters Jo Lyn Unangst of Coopersburg, PA and Judi Mariner (Unangst), Michael Mariner, nephews Micheal of South Whitehall Township and Sean of Macungie, Pennsylvania.

Lu was born in Bethlehem, raised in Zionsville, PA and graduated from Southern Lehigh High School. Lu then completed a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Moravian University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Lu’s career included stints as both a Human Resource and Finance Director with various companies in the Lehigh Valley as well as Montgomeryville and Quakertown, Pennsylvania and concluded with her retirement in 2022.

Lu dedicated her life to her beloved grandchildren and endeavors of the outdoors from gardening, camping, travel and exploration. Lu was a Master Gardner through the Penn State Extension, volunteered at Burnside Plantation in Bethlehem and created her own business as a garden designer and coach serving the Lehigh Valley.  Lu served as the Treasurer of the Lehigh Valley chapter of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). Lu’s dedication to her hometown, Bethlehem, included membership at Artsquest and a Musikfest volunteer for over 40 years.

A celebration of Lu’s Life will be held later in the spring, outside in a garden where Lu felt most at home.  Please consider planting a tree in Lu’s memory.