Burlington Free Press; Burlington VT; 2014-9-23


HUNTINGTON - Evelyn Mae (Atwood) Lake, 91, passed away Sept. 2, 2014, at
the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Andrea and Ross Ogilvie, with whom
she resided. Evelyn was born at home in Brandon on Dec. 12, 1922, the third
child of Harold Edward and Blanche May (McDonald) Atwood. Evelyn grew up in
Brandon and the surrounding towns of Leicester, Fernville and Forestdale.
She attended Brandon High School. Evelyn began working as a mother's helper
to summer residents on Lake Dunmore, and worked at Cove Point serving
lunch to the "orchestra guys." During World War II, Evelyn was employed
in "defense," working at Bendix in Baltimore, Md., assembling airplane
radio equipment, and at the International Silver Company in Florence -
Northampton, Mass., fabricating incendiary bombs. One month following his
discharge from the Army Air Corps 882nd Bombardment Squadron and his return
stateside, George Lake married his high school sweetheart, Evelyn, on Jan.
26, 1946, in Springfield, Mass. George and Evelyn resided in Rutland,
Pittsford, Essex Junction, Burlington, East Charlotte, Lady Lake, Fla., and
Waltham. In each home, Evelyn did the painting and wallpapering and planted
extensive flower gardens. In Pittsford and East Charlotte, she and George
planted vegetable gardens that not only fed them year round, but also the
neighbors. While residing in Burlington, Evelyn returned to the workforce.
She was employed as Head of Housekeeping at Sheraton House. She also worked
at UVM for several years. In 1986, George and Evelyn retired to Florida,
but in 1995 returned to live in Waltham. George passed away in Waltham on
Nov. 8, 1998. Evelyn had a positive outlook. She believed the secret to a
happy life was to slow down and appreciate what you have. Evelyn will be
remembered for her ability to talk to anyone, anywhere. In their younger
years, Evelyn and George would target shoot either with bows or rifles.
They flew around Vermont in the 1950's in their Piper Cub, which George
piloted. Evelyn cleared trails and hiked with the Green Mountain Club, dined
and danced the night away at the Burlington Vets' Club where George was a
past president and trustee. Evelyn, and consequently her children, walked
extensively throughout the greater Burlington area just for the enjoyment
of being outside. She played tennis, took up cross country skiing in her
40's, and learned to drive in her 50's. Evelyn loved arts and crafts. She
enjoyed quilling (creating pictures from rolled and cut paper), beading,
knitting and sewing. Evelyn was very knowledgeable about natural food and
organic gardening. She was especially proud that she took no medications
until her first stroke at age 86, when she reluctantly agreed to two
daily pills. Evelyn was proud of the achievements of her children and
grandchildren. They in turn enjoyed listening to stories about events and
people important in her life. She enjoyed visiting relatives, day trips
with friends, and family reunions. Evelyn is survived by three children,
Kathryn Buck, Andrea Ogilvie and husband, Ross, and Douglas Lake; seven
grandchildren, Shalo, Mat and Chad Buck, Mae "Vonnie," Anna, Nathaniel
and Eli Ogilvie; four great-grandchildren, Kyle, Messiah, Eden and Sarah;
sister, Wilma J. "Trudy" Croumey; sisters-in-law, Paula (Jones) Atwood,
and Joan Ann (Corey) Atwood; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.
Evelyn was predeceased by two children, Constance Ann (1951), and Heath
(2011); two grandchildren, Brendan B. and Terrell T. Buck; and five siblings,
Pauline Godette, Glenna Buzzell, Theron, Harley, and Allen Atwood. Evelyn's
family would like to express our thanks to the VNA Hospice program which
enabled Evelyn to remain at home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday,
Sept. 27, 2014, at 12 noon at the Forestdale Wesleyan Church. The graveside
committal service will follow in Forestdale Cemetery, with the Rev. John
McDonald officiating. Following the ceremony, the family will receive
friends at Brandon American Legion Post #55, for a time of fellowship and
remembrance. Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham
Funeral Home in Brandon. Memorial gifts, in lieu of flowers, may be made
in Evelyn's memory to Project Independence, Elderly Services, Inc., PO
Box 581 Middlebury, VT 05753; or the VNA Hospice Program, 1110 Prim Road,
Colchester, VT 05446.