Obituary of Phyllis Evelyn Lake

April 10, 1929 – Egremont, Alberta

April 5, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

 

With great sadness, our family announces the passing of Phyllis Evelyn Lake (nee George), beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 94 years.

 

Predeceased by her devoted husband and cherished companion George, Phyllis passed away peacefully with her daughter, son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren by her side.

 

Born in Egremont, AB, in 1929, Phyllis left rural Alberta to pursue her education at Queen's University in Kingston, ON, where fate led her to encounter the love of her life, George, an engineering student. After graduating in 1952 with a degree in Chemistry, Phyllis and George soon married—they commenced their journey together and both began working at the Department of National Defense.

 

They settled in London, ON, in 1967, where they nurtured their family, raising their beloved children, Linda and Brian. Phyllis embraced motherhood wholeheartedly, putting her career on hold to become a devoted full-time mom, renowned for her culinary skills and the cherished "Lake Family Cookbook."

 

In 1979 they embarked on a new chapter in Calgary, AB, where Phyllis soon resumed her career as a chemistry lab instructor at Mount Royal University, blending her passion for science with her innate talent for teaching.

 

Together, Phyllis and George explored the wonders of nature, indulging in their love for hiking, searching for waterfalls, skiing, and adventure, alongside their cherished grandchildren.

 

Their home was a sanctuary for fostering creativity and appreciation for the arts, from the Pumphouse Cookie Cabaret to Theatre Calgary, igniting a passion that would endure through the Lake generations.

 

Phyllis faced and conquered cancer with remarkable resilience, embarking on global adventures with George, including a memorable journey to Antarctica.

 

After George's passing in 2009, Phyllis continued to embrace life with unwavering independence and a thirst for new experiences.

 

An active member of the Skrastins Hiking Club, fitness enthusiast at the Calgary Jewish Centre, and avid bridge player, Phyllis lived life to the fullest. Her solo expedition on the Rocky Mountaineer train at the age of 92 epitomized her spirit of adventure and zest for life.

 

She was an avid reader, with an insatiable appetite for mystery novels. She loved jigsaw puzzles, sudoku, and most recently became a prolific creator of beaded "diamond paintings" which adorn the homes of her family and friends.

 

Phyllis leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and boundless adventure. Her memory will be cherished by all who were touched by her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit.

 

Sadly missed and always in the hearts of her loving family; her late husband George Thomas Lake, daughter Linda, son Brian, daughter-in-law Dawn, and grandchildren, Megan, Amy, Jordyn, Taylor, Mackenzie, and Samantha.

 

Phyllis’ family will lay her to rest next to her beloved husband George at Eden Brook Cemetery in Calgary in a private graveside service.

 

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Phyllis’ family here.

 

In living memory of Phyllis Lake, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street SE, Calgary, AB T2Z 4E6, Telephone: 403-203-0525.