Dorothy Lake (Melnick), born October 24, 1929, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2024. A devoted and loving woman, Dorothy's life was marked by her unwavering commitment to her family, faith, and community.

For 65 years, Dorothy was a cherished member of Centenary United Methodist Church. She spent 25 years at Centenary Nursery School, where she took immense pleasure in nurturing and educating the children in her care.

Dorothy is survived by her beloved sons Richard Lake Jr. and Ronald Lake, her daughter Debra Hecht, her daughters-in-law Judy and Deborah, and her son-in-law Robert. She was a cherished grandmother to Josie and her husband Wes, and Jerrad and his wife Liz. She was a proud great-grandmother to Gracin and Hudson, and a loving step-grandmother to Allen, Curtis and his wife Ashley, Seth and fiancee Dayna. She was also a step-great-grandmother to Kaitlynn, Kyle, and Easton.

Dorothy's life was enriched by the many special friends she made throughout the community, all of whom will remember her fondly. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard C. Lake Sr., with whom she shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

A service to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at Hillside Cemetery, Metuchen, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Centenary United Methodist Church in Dorothy's memory.