Mrs. Gwendolyn Lake

Gwendolyn Spriggs Lake, a woman defined by her elegance, quick wit, and a deeply caring heart, transitioned peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. She was known affectionately to those who loved her as Mom, Mommy, Aunt Gwen, Nana and “Gwenny Poo.” Gwen possessed a radiant beauty and a presence that could brighten any room. Born in Norwalk, CT, on March 28, 1936, she was the daughter of Eugene Spriggs and Aleatha Powell Spriggs. Family was the cornerstone of Gwen’s life. She was one of four siblings. Gwen shared an unbreakable bond with her late sisters and brother, Doris Ann Bryan and Mary Virginia Givens; together, the trio was famously known as “The Spriggs Sisters” and “The Golden Girls” from Tom and Mary Givens’ restaurant. In addition, she had an older brother named Eugene Powell Spriggs Jr. also known as “Genie Boy” in which they were all close-knit. Throughout her life, Gwen drew strength and wisdom from her siblings’ memories, remaining a steadfast believer in the power of prayer, family, and unity. Gwen was a proud graduate of Norwalk High School in 1954. She dedicated over 40 years to the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET), where she began as an operator and diligently worked her way up to become a Recent Change Memory Administration Center (RCMAC) specialist. In retirement, Gwen followed her passion for working with children, serving as a Resource Aide for Norwalk Public Schools and a bus monitor for Westport Public Schools. For over 60 years, while being a dedicated member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, she served on the Missionary Society and Scholarship Committee. Gwen was known for her athleticism, her legendary sweet tooth, and her sharp, quick-witted humor. A formidable presence on the lanes, many considered her a professional-level bowler, a talent backed by the many trophies she earned. She was the epitome of fitness, dedicated to daily exercise and weightlifting long before it was a trend-whether she was leading the way in aerobics classes or keeping pace with the latest Jane Fonda VHS tapes at home. While she stayed active, Gwen also nurtured an impeccable love for sweets. She was never far from her favorite chocolate-covered peanuts, Snickers bars, or brownies, and especially her own sweet potato pie that was world-famous amongst family and friends. Those who truly knew Gwen understood that her wit was as sharp as her spirit. She was never afraid to speak her mind, offering her honest truth with a unique blend of love and compassion that could brighten any day. Gwen was a proud and loving mother that leaves a rich legacy to be cherished by her three children: Charlene Kennerly (Charles), Wendy Hankins (Ray), and Jonathan Lake (Elise) all of Norwalk. Her memory will live on through her nine grandchildren: Taylor Kennerly of Beltsville, Maryland; Brianna and Rosalinda Kennerly of Norwalk; Brittany and Brayden Hankins of Norwalk; and Brennon Hankins of Gardena, California; Candice, Jonathan Jr. and Christian Lake of Norwalk. She was the proud great-grandmother of Leianna Kidd and Nahshan Hankins and a host of nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind special friends; Geneva Lewis and Willie Wheeler. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am - 11:00 am, followed by a service of celebration at 11:00 am at Bethel AME Church, 19 Academy St., Norwalk, CT. Rev. Dr. Richard Wesley Clarke, officiant. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery, Norwalk.

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Mrs. Gwendolyn Lake

February 17, 2026