Obituary
Gorham- Eileen Fake, 99, passed away on July 18, 2026, at M.M. Ewing Continuing Care Center in Canandaigua, NY.
She was born on August 2, 1926, in Garfield, NJ, to the late Leo and Paula Lent. Eileen spent much of her youth in Waterloo, NY, graduating from Waterloo High School in 1944, before her marriage to Richard “Dick” Fake in 1948. Together, they bought a farm and built a house in Gorham, NY, where she raised her two sons alongside a few sheep and many beef cattle.
Eileen was an active member of the Gorham community, serving as Gorham Town Clerk from 1981 until her retirement in 1995. She was an original member of the Gorham Firebells Drum and Bugle Corps, where she served as a majorette. She spent many years as a member of the Gorham Historical Society and was a devoted supporter of the Gorham Volunteer Fire Department and the Gorham Public Library. She was also a longtime member of St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Stanley, NY, and was mad as hell by its closing.
Eileen was a firm believer in physical fitness, often walking miles of Gorham roads on her way to the town hall. When County Road 18 became too busy to walk safely, Eileen joined SilverSneakers, which she faithfully attended for many years. She also was a skilled artist, often going on retreats with friends to paint.
Eileen loved visits from friends and neighbors, always ready to offer a cup of coffee or a glass of Red Cat wine to anyone who stopped by — unless Jeopardy! was on. She also cherished her weekly card game with friends, and was happy to share a joke with anyone who’d listen. Her family will forever treasure her recipes for “Ickle” (icicle) pickles, spaghetti sauce, cabbage salad, and holiday mashed potatoes.
Eileen is survived by her sons, Lee Fake, Sr., of Gorham, NY, and Thomas Lent and his wife, Terri, of Doswell, VA; her brother, James Lent, and his wife, Sandy; grandchildren Joanna Fake, Jessica Martin (Paul), and Lee Fake, Jr.; and great-grandchildren Kate and Mason Martin; and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Richard Lee Fake, and her brothers, Leo J. Lent and Daniel V. Lent.
A private service and burial will be held on July 23, 2026, at the Gorham Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Gorham Fire Company in Eileen’s memory, 4676 Kearney Rd., Stanley, NY 14561.
Please visit www.perkinsamesfuneralhome.com to send a message of condolence to Eileen’s Family.
Condolences
Chris Grzeskowiak from Stanley NY on Jul. 20, 2026
Condolences to the Fake family. I always enjoyed a quick visit with Eileen while I was a member of the Marcus Whitman maintenance staff, working at the Gorham Elementary School. Part of her winter time walk route was early morning around the hallways of the school. Rest in Peace….
Chris & Sharon
Allen Burnett from Middlesex, NY on Jul. 20, 2026
This world has lost another Angel here on Earth. Mrs. Fake was one of those people you fall in love with because she cared about everyone, she had ever meet. I used to service her and Dick's satellite dish, and she would always offer coffee, cookies, cakes, or a full meal whenever I had the pleasure of going into their home so that they could enjoy their favorite programs. And quite often Dick would be reading a book, and she would be making something in the kitchen. They made me feel right at home always! And it was always a pleasure to see her walking or in the office or running into her at any time or place. Sending thoughts and prayers to her Family at this difficult time and may The Lord Bless Dick and Eileen, together again in Heaven.
Victor Lonsberry from Bloomfield, NY on Jul. 21, 2026
I was so sorry to receive news of Eileen's passing. My condolences to her family. I enjoyed many Saturdays playing euchre with ELF (Eileen). She was a grand lady and was always ready for a game.. May she rest in peace and is now with her loved ones in heaven. Her quick wit and love will be missed by many.
Yvonne Ortiz from Stanley on Jul. 21, 2026
My husband and I loved Eileen ! After our silver sneakers exercise, we would join a group of friends from silver sneakers for lunch.
Eileen was very thoughtful. She collected all of the groups names, emails and phone # so we could be connected.
Eileen was one of the best at all of the exercises.
We love you Eileen, God Bless you.
Jeff Stanton from Romulus on Jul. 21, 2026
A friend and inspiration to all of the sneakers participants.
Mary Freida from Stanley, NY on Jul. 23, 2026
I first met Eileen at St. Theresa’s Church. She was always so friendly to me. When she decided to hang up her paint brushes she graciously gave
me some of her painting supplies, watercolor paper and brushes. I still use the brushes today and think of her often and her kindness. She was a wonderful lady. Mary Freida
Arlene Clark from 2844 Ferguson Crns.Rd Geneva,NY 14456 on Jul. 24, 2026
Eileen was a great person. She was always glad to see you and always had a smile and a hug. We always had a great party at Mom and Dads. They always liked to have their nieces and nephews visit. What fun we always had when we got together. I will miss you my friend. Rest in Peace. Arlene