Philomena "Minnie" (Megliola) Novitt, daughter of Louis and Elizabeth (Pierro) Megliola, passed away peacefully on May 24, 2026, at the age of 97.

Minnie graduated from Commerce High School and worked as an executive secretary at Monsanto before retiring from American Saw after 24 years of service.

Growing up during the Big Band era, she met the love of her life, Raymond Novitt, at a dance at Touraine Hall. They were happily married for 64 years and shared a lifetime of adventures. Together they were early supporters of the Majestic Theater in West Springfield and longtime subscribers to the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, the Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, and the American Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford, Connecticut.

Family summer vacations were spent in Maine every year, creating memories that continue to make it a favorite destination for generations of her family.

After Raymond's retirement, Minnie traveled extensively throughout the United States and Canada and to destinations including China, Russia, Alaska, Italy, and Mexico. Among their favorite adventures were visits to the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick, where they discovered dulse, an edible seaweed enjoyed around the world.

Minnie was a member of the Springfield Explorers Club and a lifetime member of Hostelling International. She hiked regularly with the Hartford AYH group, often completing sections of the Appalachian Trail with her children in tow, helping instill in them a lifelong love of hiking, travel, and the outdoors.

Although she modestly claimed she was not a great cook, her family remembers the countless delicious meals she prepared in her trusty 1952 Mirro pressure cooker, while Raymond became known for his slow-cooker specialties.

Minnie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Raymond Novitt; her brothers Ralph, Michael, Leonard, and Robert Megliola; her sisters Antoinette Erwin, Mary DelNegro, Adeline Lindbergh, and Josephine Daigneault; and her sons-in-law, Jim Hegstetter and George Balsley.

She leaves behind her loving children, Laura Balsley, Rebecca Hegstetter, Ramona Davis (Rick Wingard), Regina Crimmins (Edward), and Adam Novitt (Priscilla); her brother, Louis "Lou" Megliola (Pat) of Huntley, Illinois; her sister, Ellen Rose of Granby, Massachusetts; 11 cherished grandchildren; 8 beloved great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Longmeadow Cemetery 61 Williams St Longmeadow Ma on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Minnie's memory may be made to the Lilly Library in Florence, Massachusetts, or to a charity of your choice.

Minnie never needed much looking after. She preferred to do things herself, in her own way and in her own time. Her family is grateful to all those who laughed with her, traveled with her, walked with her, corresponded with her, and helped make her long life so full.

"If it isn't too far away, we'll probably plan to visit her one of these days."