Philanthropist, activist Amy Schwartz Lake expires

AMY SCHWARTZ LAKE, a philanthropist and community activist, died Thursday, August 20, 2015 at her New Orleans home. She was 98 years old.

Although she was born in Schulenburg, TX., Lake lived most of her life in New Orleans for the past 75 years with the exception of a period during World War II when she returned to Austin to serve as manager of the University of Texas Commons.

During the war she served as a PBX operator, Red Cross volunteer and USO hostess. Lake served as Director of Dietetics for the Isabella Hume Community Center. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics. While a student at the University, she often performed as a soloist with the University of Texas Glee Club.

Lake supported many religious and civic causes through a wide range of volunteer activities and was repeatedly recognized for her untiring efforts. She was a member of Congregation Gates of Prayer in Metairie, LA and served on the congregation’s Board of Trustees. She and her husband funded the Marion L. and Amy S. Lake Temple Library and the Temple Educator’s Office at Gates of Prayer.

Lake was a past president of Congregation Gates of Prayer Sisterhood and served as an officer of the District Sisterhood Board for 15 years. She also served on the board of the board of directors of the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods. Lake was the first recipient of the Golden Merit Award for her long term commitment to religious causes. She also received the KEVA Award as a scholar in Jewish studies from the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism).

Lake was a past president of the League of Jewish Women’s Organizations. She was a life member of the National Council of Jewish Women, where she served as chairman of “Heart of Town” and as the first chairman of “Lifeline”, a personal emergency response support system offering security to the elderly and disabled in the New Orleans area. Lake was a Life Member of the Jewish Chatauqua Society and was recognized as the Jewish Federation “Volunteer of the Year” in 2002.

She served as the Interfaith Chairman representing the New Orleans Reform, Orthodox and Conservative Jewish Sisterhoods on the Interfaith Committee of Greater New Orleans. Lake was also an active member of Hadassah, as well as a Life Member of Touro Infirmary Auxiliary and Brandeis. She volunteered as a docent for the New Orleans Museum of Art and other community exhibits. She was a longtime supporter of New Orleans Jewish Family Service, American Heart Association, Cancer Society and United Way.

Lake was a past president and treasurer of the New Orleans Unit of the National Association of Parliamentarians. She had a life-long interest in Girl Scouting and was First Vice President and a past member of the executive committee of the Southeast Louisiana Girl Scout Council for which she received the Thanks Award for outstanding service.

Lake was past president of the Andrew H. Wilson Co-op School Club and chaired the Education Institute for Orleans Parish Public Schools as a board member of the Presidents’ Co-Operative School Club. She was a charter member of the 4111 Mardi Gras Ladder Club.

In addition, she funded the Adult Reading Room in her hometown’s Schulenburg Public Library.

Survivors include her son, Jonathan M. Lake (Francine), two daughters, Marilyn L. Neumann and Lorraine L. Williams; five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her her husband of 60 years, Marion L. Lake, her son-in-law Peter G. Williams and a grandson, Joshua B. Williams.

Funeral services were conducted at Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 W. Esplanade Ave. on Sunday, August 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Rabbi Robert Loewy officiated.

Interment followed immediately in Gates of Prayer Joseph Street Cemetery on Joseph Street. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Congregation Gates of Prayer, 4000 W. Esplanade Ave., Metairie, LA 70002 or the charity of your choice. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com. Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp of Metairie was in charge of arrangements.