An Angel was called back to heaven on January 10, 2023 after 95 years of service to God, family, and community. Mary Lou Gertrude Genevieve McGrath Lake was born on Sept. 8, 1927 to Hilary McGrath and Gertrude Dora Fisseneck in Chicago, Illinois. She was a quiet, cheerful child…the apple of her Father’s eye. She and her older sister, Lorraine, with whom she was very close, spent their youth in Chicago. The family then moved to Detroit where she eventually met her future husband, Jim, at the Detroit chapter of the American Society of Safety Engineers. Together they built a life in Inkster, Michigan with other post WWII families. Her husband, Jim, was hired by the Federal Government to work at the Test Site outside of Las Vegas, Nevada. Once the family moved, they quickly settled into a regular routine of school, summer activities, church and more, keeping Mary Lou busy; volunteering with the local PTA, church and managing the busy activities of her 5 children. A people person at heart, she approached life with a smile, a great laugh and a positive, can do attitude.

After ten years in the desert heat and sunshine the family moved to Mercer Island, Washington where Mary Lou and Jim continued to guide their brood into adulthood. All the while, Mary Lou continued her volunteer work, especially with the Mercer Island United Methodist Church. She remained there for 47 years until she moved to Baker City, Oregon. Lifelong friends were made everywhere she lived. A friend to all; she loved a good conversation at the kitchen table, with a keen ear for hearing others when they spoke. Mary Lou was a lifelong learner having many interests that included: art, interior design, studying and reading about the brain, and studying the stock market.

She truly was an earth angel.

Her survivors include: Her Children: John F. Lake (Deborah), Mary Jo Lake, Carol Lake Kitch (Tim), James H. Lake, and Linda Lake. Her Grandchildren: Lauren, Alanna, and William Lake children of John F. and Deborah Lake, Adam, Miguel, and Roberto Kitch, children of Tim and Carol Kitch, and Bailey and Colton Lake, children of James H. Lake. and Her many nieces and nephews.

Services will be held on May 20, 2023 from 1PM-2PM at Mercer Island United Methodist Church, 7070 SE 24th St., Mercer Island, WA 98040. Reception to follow.