Emily Ware Lake was born August 8, 1920, in Nacogdoches, Texas and died on July 27, 2016 in Austin, Texas, her home of seventy years. She lived a long and beautiful life.
Raised in El Dorado, Arkansas, Emily remembered a happy childhood spent with her three siblings. She graduated from El Dorado High School in 1938. She then attended Ouachita Junior College where her father, William Ware, was a professor of biology. In 1941, she married Peter Francis Lake, also of El Dorado, Arkansas. During WWII, Frank served in the Pacific, and Emily remained at home, teaching school. After the war, they settled in Austin and began their family of four children.
As a devout Christian, Emily belonged to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd for over sixty years. She was an active member of the altar guild and lovingly needlepointed prayer cushions for the church. Emily drew tremendous comfort from her faith, especially following the death of her son, Kirby Scott Lake. Through her compassion and strong belief in God, she was an uplifting source of strength for others experiencing the pain of loss.
Music and art were constants in Emily’s life. While working as an assistant to the director of the University of Texas Art Museum, she cultivated a discerning eye, and began a collection that would include works by Michael Frary, Kelly Fearing and Martha Mood. As a founding member of Laguna Gloria Art Museum, she especially loved the annual Fiesta Art Festival, which supported local artists, and raised funds for the museum and art school.
Extensive travel in Europe fostered Emily’s creative and adventurous spirit. She played tennis and piano, was serious about her bridge game, and was known for her wonderful sense of style.
Throughout her life, Emily was happiest among friends and family, with whom she shared countless good times and good works. She loved to entertain, and joyously gathered loved ones in her home. During the Christmas season, she led caroling parties through the neighborhoods of Austin, delivering gifts to those in need. Friends remember many spirited evenings around the piano, singing and playing Broadway show tunes.
Emily was an engaged volunteer in a number of organizations, and a member of the Settlement Club, the Junior League of Austin, the Garden Club of Austin, Open Forum, Tarry House, and The Argyle Club. Also dear to her heart were Laity Lodge, St. Andrews Episcopal School, “Supper Club”, and the Austin Symphony.
Emily will be remembered for her contagious laugh, her tender heart and her expressive blue eyes.
She is preceded in death by her parents William and Bernice Ware, sisters Sara Ware Paulk, Mary Jo Ware Bass, brother William Carter Ware, son Kirby Scott Lake and her doted-upon King Charles Spaniels: Maggie, Tony and Lovey.
Emily is survived by her sons Randall Ware Lake and wife Lori of Lampasas, David Cordell Lake and wife Ellen of San Antonio, daughter Lucinda Lake Gerhart of Austin, grandchildren Jason Carr Lake, Andrew Peyton Lake, Emily Frances Gerhart, Katherine Ann Hicks, and her former husband, Frank Lake of Austin.
The family expresses heartfelt thanks to her doctor, Joseph Garcia, and all the many loving caregivers who attended to her needs and comfort toward the end of her life, especially those at Belmont Village and Halcyon Home Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, St. Andrews Episcopal School, Laity Lodge, The Settlement Home for Children, or The Contemporary Austin Education Fund.
A Celebration of Life will be held at The Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd located at 3201 Windsor Road, Austin, TX 78703 on Friday, August 5th at 2pm.
Obituary and memorial guestbook available online at www.wcfish.com
Attielene was born on March 30, 1941 and passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2016.
