AZ Republic; Phoenix AZ; 2011-2-11


HELEN S. LAKE, 89, of Tempe, AZ died peacefully on Tuesday, February
1, 2011 of natural causes. Helen was born December 22, 1921 in Donora,
PA. where she was one of eight children, seven of whom have predeceased
her. Helen is also predeceased by her husband of 49 years, Richard S. Lake
on June 5, 2000. Richard S. Lake and Helen Ribik were married in Donora,
PA on July 1, 1950. They moved to Tempe, AZ in 1963. Helen is survived by
her son, Richard J. Lake and wife Lisa, and her daugter, Dianne Lake. She
is also survived by six grandchildren; Angela, Kristina, Jessica, Kylie,
Mitchell, and Ryan. Also three great-grandchildren; Raymond, Dylan, and
Aiden. Helen is interned at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona
where a private graveside vigil will take place at a later date. The
colorful stories of Helen's life, children, and marriage are forever
etched in our memories. Her animals: stray cats, dogs, and baby birds
were nursed and loved in her gentle hands. Helen worked for the Tempe
School District as a cafeteria manager and enjoyed sewing. She loved
irises and the hot Arizona sun. She was an amazing cook, passing down
the ethnic dishes that are now a part of our family's traditions. Her
dry wit and unique view of the world will entertain us all for years to
come. Mom, grandma, great-grandma or friend you touched us all, living
on in our hearts and in our memories. Helen attended the Kingdom Hall
of Jehova's Witness in Tempe, AZ.