Obituary of Cecelia A. Drake
Cecelia A. Drake, 81, of Lairdsville, passed away October 20, 2023, surrounded by the love of her family.
She was born on the family farm in Durhamville on July 29, 1942, the daughter of Anthony and Eugenia (Stanaitis) Vaitkus. Cecelia graduated from VVS High School. She was united in marriage to Ronald M. Drake, Sr. on September 21, 1963. The couple raised their family in Lairdsville and shared 44 years of love and devotion until Ron’s passing on March 7, 2007. Cecelia worked at First National Bank and as an auditor at Sears for many years. She was a devoted Catholic and member of Church of the Annunciation in Clark Mills. She was also a member of the Lairdsville Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Cecelia took great pride in her flower gardens and could be found tending them daily. She enjoyed NASCAR, Bingo and watching gameshows and QVC. Furry friends held a special place in Cecelia's heart, especially Desiree. Cecelia was sassy by nature and loved to have a good time with family and friends. She took great pride in supporting her grandchildren enthusiastically and completely by attending all school, sporting, and religious events. She embodied the essence of who a grandma is.
She is survived by her children, Suzanne Robles-Delaney and her husband Joseph Delaney of Rome, Michael and Stacey Drake of Westmoreland, and Ronald M. and Lori Drake Jr of Rome; her beloved grandchildren, Christina and Dale Pfendler, Anthony Destito, Nicholas and Joshua Drake, Aaron Drake, Mandi Drake, Lexi Drake and her fiancé Austin Von Herbulis; her great-grandchildren, Arya Pfendler and Peyton Zamora; and her sister and brother-in-law, Teffie and Wayne Barcume of Oneida. She was predeceased by her parents; her husband; brother Paul Vaitkus; grandson Patrick Morreale; and great-grandson Tommy Mahar.
All are invited to call Tuesday, October 24, 2023 from 5-7pm at Owens-Pavlot & Rogers Funeral Service, 35 College St., Clinton. Funeral services will follow at Tuesday 7pm at the funeral home. She will be laid to rest in Maple Grove Cemetery in Vernon.
Please consider donations in her memory to COCVAC, Westmoreland Fire Department, St. Jude or the Humane Society.