Leah Rae Lake

Leah Rae Lake passed away peacefully on Friday, March 24, 2023. Leah, known by her family and friends as “Rae” was born on July 20, 1938 in Twin Falls, Idaho. She was the oldest of three girls. Rae was an independent spirit from the start. To earn spending money, she became a dancing teacher at the age of 13, traveling to different cities across the state to teach children dancing steps. She graduated from high school in 1956. Rae was a lifelong learner, and studied at Idaho State University, Tulsa University, the University of Houston and New York University.

Rae lived in many places across the country, but she especially loved and valued her years in Manhattan, where she managed a law firm. Rae had a long and varied career as an executive assistant, radio show host, and writer. Rae was a successful and award-winning writer of plays, poems, short stories and articles, She had over 300 articles published in various journals and magazines. Most recently her short story “Refugee” about a woman preparing her escape from an invading army, won an award sponsored by the Ageless Author’s writing contest. Rae left Manhattan for Austin in the late 1980’s and worked until her retirement at the University of Texas Law School Children’s Right Clinic.

In her retirement, she loved to socialize with her many friends, and attend church services. She also pursued many creative interests including stand-up comedy, jewelry design and sewing. She was a gifted seamstress and ran a successful business sewing custom pillows with images of pets, which she enhanced with embroidery.

Rae is survived by her son, Richard Costas and his wife Julie, two grandchildren, Caroline (Aaron) Stock and Bradley Costas. She also leaves behind a great-granddaughter, Ryan Elizabeth Stock.

A memorial celebration to honor Rae will be held on Saturday, April 1 at 1:30 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints, 104 W Park St., Cedar Park, Texas 78613.