In Loving Memory of Eleanor “Holly” Lake
October 22, 1946 – June 27, 2026
Every life speaks a language. Holly’s was the fluency of love.
Born in Tennessee on October 22, 1946, Holly’s language formed alongside dedicated parents Helen and Joe, and brothers Jerry and Rick.
In her youth, her love blossomed through beauty pageants, dreams of becoming a pilot, moves to Pennsylvania, and the choice to marry and have children over completing aviation studies.
It bloomed in her newly extended family, remaining steady through a painful divorce, a return to Tennessee, and LPN certification as a single mom.
Her life’s language advanced when an unexpected twist brought her back to Pennsylvania, where she met her soulmate, David Lake, and together they built a blended family and a life woven with Christian faith, service, and laughter.
Her language projected outward as a nurse in hospitals, nursing homes, rehab centers, and home care. As a Sunday school teacher for those with special needs. As a writer, real estate agent, and an adventurer hand-in-hand with David throughout the US, Mexico, and Iceland.
Yet those who loved Holly may mostly remember her gift for seeing people the world overlooked.
She welcomed and gathered them around food, art projects, and winter picnics. She continually folded her prayers into handwritten cards that reminded people they were remembered, cherished, and never alone. One smile, one conversation, one card at a time, she changed lives.
When Alzheimer’s stole Holly’s memories and words, something deeper remained. Her sparkling eyes, mischievous smiles, and funny faces left family, friends, and caregivers filled with her love.
Alzheimer’s could not erase the language she had spoken all her life.
Surrounded by family and friends in Gettysburg, Holly departed this world on June 27, 2026, wrapped in the language of her lifetime.
She is survived by her devoted husband, David Lake; her children, Rick Phillips (and wife April), Cyndy Phillips (and husband Pete), Shelia Dutcher (and husband Erik), and Jeremy Lake (and wife Michelle); nine grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and countless relatives and friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing her.
Holly’s family invites those wishing to honor her memory to offer love and kindness where it is least expected. In doing so, Holly’s story of love will continue to be written in the lives of others.
“These three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” —1 Corinthians:13:13