Virginia "Ginger" Kelly Lake

Ginger was born July 6, 1942 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She grew up in York with her younger brother and her twin sisters, as well as wonderful, lifelong friends. She graduated from York High School, and later completed her undergraduate degree at Millersville University. She earned her Master of Education from Temple University. And soon became a beloved 6th grade teacher.

Within a few years, Ginger was introduced to William “Bill” A. Lake, Jr. through Bill’s dad. They married after a long distance, 2-month relationship, and Ginger moved to Rochester for Bill’s career. They then moved to Chicago where their daughter was born. Next was St. Paul where they welcomed the birth of their son. After four more moves to three states and the beautiful country of Chile, the family made their final move to Austin. Avid travelers, they explored countries throughout Europe, South America, and Africa, and spent their summers in Breckenridge.

Ginger approached life fearlessly. She never met a stranger, she owned every room she walked into regardless of who filled it, and she could learn your life story in 5 minutes or less. She could sniff out a TJ Maxx within a 10-mile radius. She was an avid tennis player and dabbled in golf. She became (somewhat) fluent in Spanish. But her true love was bridge, having earned her Silver Life Masters.

Ginger loved her family and friends fiercely, and she was the other half to Bill for 54 years— together they conquered life. She lived with a curiosity of humankind and without regret. She will be missed by many, and her memory will be cherished.

Ginger is survived by her husband, Bill Lake, Jr.; her kids, Whitney Wilkes and Bill Lake, III; her son-in-law, David Wilkes, Jr.; and her grandchildren, Ainsley and Chase. She is also survived by her sisters, Suzanne Kelly Capozzoli and Joanne Kelly Gatewood; her sister-in-law, Debra Lake Lusk; her mother-in-law, Betty Jane Lake; and her nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank MD Anderson and Ascension-Seton Main for the incredible and selfless nurses and doctors who cared for her, and the wonderful staff who cared for all of us. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider a donation in Ginger’s name to The Seton Fund at www.supportseton.org; or to MD Anderson, Uterine Cancer Research Program at www.mdanderson.org/gifts.

A memorial will be held Sunday, March 6 at 2:00 PM, Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills, 9700 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, Texas 78750. The service will also be live-streamed. Visit www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com and note there is no password required.