Aline Wilcox LaBrake
Aline Wilcox LaBrake, 95, of Lake Placid, a cherished matriarch and devoted community member, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Dec. 4, 2024, at the Adirondack Medical Center in Saranac Lake. Born in January 1929, at Lake Placid General Hospital, Aline was the beloved daughter of Horace William Wilcox and Blanche Louise Reyome.
Aline was the eldest of four siblings, growing up in a family that valued music and community. She graduated from Lake Placid High School in 1947, where she played the violin in the school orchestra. After graduation, she worked as a telephone operator for NY Telephone and as a Nurses Aide at Placid Memorial Hospital.
In 1951, Aline married Harry Edward LaBrake of Saranac Lake. Together, in the 1950s they managed the snack bar at Lakeland Beach Cottages, a family owned business. Aline and Harry shared a passion for square dancing, renovating houses, motorcycling and buying and selling antiques for their numerous garage sales.
A talented seamstress, Aline created a line of dresses known as “A Line by Aline.” Her creativity extended to the skating world, where she was a dedicated “skating mom,” supporting her children’s figure skating endeavors. Aline served on the Skating Club of Lake Placid’s Board of Directors for 26 years, contributing her skills to costume design for ice shows and local competitions. She also started the first second hand shop for the Skating Club of Lake Placid, selling used skates and dresses to help raise money for their scholarship fund.
Predeceased by her parents, brother Jack Albert Wilcox, husband Harry Edward and son Michael James, Aline leaves behind a large and loving family. She is survived by her daughters Yvette LaBrake Kirchgesner (Blaise) of St. Catherines, Ontario Canada and Leanne LaBrake Matos of Wilmington, sons Jeffrey LaBrake and Scott LaBrake (Brenda Watson), of Lake Placid, 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 11 step-great-grandchildren and numerous step-great-great-grandchildren. Her sisters, Carolyn Thompson and Babette Ledwith, along with numerous nieces, nephews and their families, also mourn her passing.
Aline’s legacy of love and dedication to family and community will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Calling hours will be at Clark’s Funeral Home on Thursday, Dec. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Friday, Dec. 20 at 11 a.m. at the Adirondack Community Church in Lake Placid, NY. Rev. Derek Hansen, Pastor will officiate. Burial will be held in the spring of 2025 at the North Elba Cemetery in Lake Placid. In lieu of Flowers the family asks that any donations be made to the Lake Placid Volunteer Ambulance Service or the United States Figure Skating Memorial Fund.