Darlene J. "Mum" Lake (Paul), age 80, of Valparaiso, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, September 10, 2020. She was born on March 3, 1940 to Leo and Anne Paul. She met the love of her life, Charles, in the eighth grade and married him on May 2, 1959. Dar and Chuck loved being in the high school band and remained friends with many of the band members for their entire lives. Her family was everything to her. She was a devoted housewife and dedicated her life to taking care of her husband, children and grandchildren. People always remarked that she had the most beautiful blue eyes. Her family will never forget how she watched out the kitchen window to wave goodbye after they came to visit.

She is survived by her son, Richard (Teresa) Lake; daughters, Kelly (Daniel) Claussen, Robyn (Shawn) Waggoner; grandchildren, Steve (Roberta) Claussen, Kaity (Brian) Hardin, Jacob Goldie, Ricky Lake, Reece Lake, Amber (Gustav) Hultman, Meah Waggoner; great grandchildren, Ella, Luke, Roen and Nova Rose; sister, Sandy (Sonny) Zale, sister-in-law, Monica Paul; very special friends and next door neighbors, John and Nadine Frame.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles E. Lake in 2016; her parents, Leo and Anne Paul; sister, Sharon LaLonde; brother, Greg Paul.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations are preferred to Hobart High School Band Department.

A memorial service for Darlene will take place Saturday, September 19, 2020 at 5:00 pm at Rees Funeral Home, Hobart Chapel, 600 West Old Ridge Road, Hobart. Memorial visitation will be held from 12:00 pm until the time of service at the funeral home. For more information, please call (219) 942-2109. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.reesfuneralhomes.com .

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