Published in the Modesto Bee on Dec. 27, 2013
Modesto CA


Edith Lucille Lake September 25, 1929 - December 15, 2013 Edith Lucille
Lake was born in Harlan, Iowa, on September 25, 1929, and left this
world for a better place on December 15, 2013. She is survived her
devoted husband, George Lake, their daughter Janice Lake of Denair,
two grandchildren, Rebecca "Becky" Crane of Ceres, and Eric Crane of
Salida, three great grandchildren, Brianna, Christian, and Daylynn
and 27 nieces and nephews. She will be greatly missed by her three
surviving sisters as well - Marilyn Cochran of Modesto, Myrna Kinsman
of Temecula, and Carol Mikkelsen of Seaside. Edith was the 10th child
born to Jim and Mabel Mikkelsen (both deceased) and sister to nine
deceased siblings - Ruth Brink, Helen Brink, George Mikkelsen, Donald
Mikkelsen, Dorothy (infant), Francis Kellstrom, Marjorie Finley, Stella
McCarthy, Betty (infant), and Paul Mikkelsen. When Edith was an infant,
the family moved to Tilley, Alberta, Canada, where her father farmed
160 acres of wheat and other grains. Four more of her siblings were
born there. When Edith was in her teens, the family moved to Modesto,
California where she met the love of her life, George Lake, to whom she
was married for 66 years. Edith was a devoted mother and grandmother.
She spent countless hours tending to their needs. It was not uncommon
for Edith to spend hours in the kitchen with them baking and telling
stories from her childhood. Edith showed her young loved ones how to
live life to the fullest and taught them the importance of being kind,
loving, and patient. She was the first person they would go to if they
needed someone to talk to, and her wisdom and selflessness made her a
hero to them. She loved the outdoors and enjoyed golfing, traveling and
cooking. Family and friends remember the delicious pies and cookies she
made. Edith and George spent much of their retirement years traveling,
but a special destination was Oregon. We will always hold her in loving
memory and highest regard for her dedication to family and particularly,
while her mother was alive and quite elderly, Edith was always there
for her - baking special breads or foods to satisfy diet restrictions,
transporting her to doctor appointments, and most importantly, lovingly
and unselfishly spending time with her. We will all miss her lively wit
and sense of humor. She leaves a large void within our family. She was
dearly loved. There will be a Celebration of Life on January 11, 2014
from 1:00-4:00pm at the home of Tom and Denae Van Duyn, for family and
friends who wish to recall good times and memories.