Caroline E. Lake, 88, of Clinton, widow of William Lake, died Nov. 12 at the Middlesex Hospice. She was born in New Haven on March 31, 1922, daughter of the late Charles S. Gaffney and Evelyn Erwin Gaffney. Caroline dedicated her life to putting others before herself. She was especially devoted to her two granddaughters, leaving them with beautiful memories and a love and value of family. Caroline also enjoyed traveling with family and having breakfast and lunch out with friends. Most of all, she relished her quiet time at home with her family.

Her family gratefully acknowledges the excellent care and love given to her by the staff at the Hospice Care Unit at Middlesex Hospital.

She is survived by her son, Richard Lake of Woodford, Virginia; her daughter, Carol (Lake) Garman of Clinton; and her siblings, James H. Gaffney of Guilford and Barbara Peirce of Walnut Creek, California. She was also very dearly loved by her two granddaughters, Julie Weiss of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Ciarra Lake of Woodford, Virginia. She was predeceased by her son, Roger D. Lake.

Private funeral services will be held for Caroline’s family and very close friends on Monday, Nov. 15, at 11 a.m., at the Holy Advent Church, Clinton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Middlesex Hospice Care, 28 Crescent St., Middletown CT 06457. The Swan Funeral Home of Clinton is in charge of arrangements.