Lowell Alton Brake

Lowell Alton Brake died peacefully at home after a short battle with cancer on Tuesday, December 16 with his wife of 37 years, Dawn Coble Brake at his side. He turned 78 on December 5 and celebrated that birthday with most of his family at his home in Charlottesville.

Lowell was born in Canvas, West Virginia to Albert Brake and Mildred McClung Brake, along with his brothers Eugene and Jerry Brake and sister, Patsy Brake King. His parents and both brothers predeceased him.

Lowell spent most of his career at Centel (later Sprint) where he met Dawn, as well as a host of life-long friends who have been a source of comfort to Lowell and Dawn during this difficult time. He possessed an incredibly strong work ethic – even when battling crippling back pain from many years as a telephone lineman, you would find him outside doing yard work most days of the year. He also possessed a wicked sense of humor and could make you laugh even if you were mad at him. But mostly Lowell possessed a strong love of family that sustained him throughout his life. If you were part of his clan, there was nothing he wouldn’t do for you.

In addition to his wife, Dawn and sister, Patsy, he is survived by his children, Marc Brake, Jo Ann Brake, Margo McFarland (Rob), Dodee Smith (Clavis) and Marta Brunn (Greg); his grandchildren, Kali Samuel (Ryan), Aisli McFarland (Jack Donoghue), Austin Smith (Brennan Copeland), Natalie Papin (Zach), Anna Smith (Nick Mouret), Chandler Smith, Jack Friday, Matt Friday (Helen Erwin) and Madison Brake; and great grandchildren Hendrix DiMarco and Madelyn Samuel, as well as numerous beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

Family, friends and those whose lives Lowell touched are invited to Mount Olivet Methodist Church, 2500 Old Lynchburg Road, North Garden on Saturday, January 10 at 1:00 p.m. for a memorial service and reception. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to Hospice of the Piedmont, 675 Peter Jefferson Parkway, Suite 300, Charlottesville, VA 22911.