Paula Marie Lake

Paula M. Lake, age 86, of Ithaca, died Saturday, January 5, 2013, at Covenant Hospital in Saginaw.

Paula was born November 5, 1926, in Breckenridge, the daughter of Archie and Nellie (Carlson) McCallum. She married Leroy George Lake on October 24, 1948 in Breckenridge. Leroy preceded her in death on November 2, 2001, after 53 years together.

Paula was a wonderful farm wife and cook. The farm workers would look forward to Paulaʼs meals as she would invite them into her home and feed them a real hearty meal as they helped with the harvesting. She would bake cookies and pies, and provide these to other families at times of loss and also at times of births. She had a wonderful sense of humor which served her well even in the most difficult of times.

In her early years she worked as an aid in the country schools, but as the schools consolidated she would help out at the North Elementary school. She also worked summers at the North Star Golf Course, and a couple years as the secretary for John McLoughlin.

Along with their family, music was the great love of Paulaʼs and Leroyʼs life. Each attended college studying music, and together they sang at many weddings. They were members of the Sweet Adelineʼs and Barbershopperʼs for many years. The family would sing barbershop tunes as they would drive in the car. Together they sang in the choir at the Ithaca United Methodist Church. Paula sang in the choir over 60 years, her beautiful voice ringing out as recently as three weeks ago, as the choir sang for Christmas.

Paula is survived by her children, Connie (Will) Lauer, Nancy (David) Harger, Ann (Mike) Hirschman, and Dennis, (Marta) Lake, all of Ithaca; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren, with number 12 due in April. She was preceded in death by her sister, Carol Hooper.

Funeral services for Paula will be 11 a.m. Saturday, January 12, 2013, at the Ithaca United Methodist Church, with Pastor Cindi Greene officiating. A luncheon will follow the service. Visitation will be 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, January 11, at the Barden Funeral Home in Ithaca. Memorial contributions may be made to the Ithaca United Methodist Church.

Comments

[Berdella Deitrich]

May I offer my deepest sympathy on hearing of your mother`s death, I know that she is now in God`s hands. I will miss our phone calls and friendship. God Bless the Lake family on their loss of their mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

[Marilee Mouser]

Dear Lakes, I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother---another Newark neighbor!!! My condolences....

[Lori Strouse]

My deepest sympathies for the loss of your mom. It is never an easy thing to go through. God bless all of you.
Lori Strouse

[Victor & Vada Keyes]

So sorry to hear of your Mother's passing. She always treated us like close family. She was always a delight to visit with. I remember when I would have birthday parties for Gerald at the nursing home and her and your Dad always showed up! Even years after Gerald's passing she treated us like family. I bet her and your Dad are with Gerald and my Mom as we speak...probably eating wonderful food!
Again, please accept our condolences.
Vic and Vada

[RON SHIRELY]

Dear Will, Connie, Dennis and Marta. I am sad for you as you will not see your mom each day as she has left this earth for a better place called Heaven. Just know you are prayed for and loved by me. Ron

[Dawn Harkness Peterson]

To the Lake family
My deepest sympathies to your family with loss of your mother.
Dawn Harkness Peterson

[Amy McCallum Handeland]

To Paula's family,
Sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I have fond memories of her from family reunions - smiling, cheerful and always quick to laugh. God's peace to you.

[Craig Hooper]

Connie, Nancy, Ann and Dennis,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. What a shock so soon after Uncle Ed. I will treasure the last short visit with her. I have fond memories of the harvest time meals and the lemon sauce over gingerbread that both she and Aunt Carol made.
With heartfelt condolences,
Craig