Nancy Drake

It is with loving hearts that we mourn the passing of Nancy T. Drake, who returned home to the Lord on July 12, 2025, at the age of 69. She was predeceased by her parents, Alan and Rita King of Shrewsbury, MA, and her beloved husband, Russell Drake of Leicester, MA. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Alan King and Devin Kravitz.

Born in Worcester, MA, on March 1, 1956, she was the middle child among her siblings and a shining light in the lives of all who knew her. Her life was a testament to her unwavering faith and her deep love for her family. She cherished her role as a mother and grandmother more than anything in the world, always living out her faith with kindness, compassion, and devotion. She always found joy in the small things around her, from beautiful sunsets, to the birds she would watch at her bird feeder, to the flowers she enjoyed planting, to the coziness of the holidays with her family.

As a child, she was an accomplished competitive ice skater, showcasing her dedication and artistic spirit from a young age. Whether it was sewing intricate costumes, sketching something from nothing, or crafting thoughtful treasures, her creativity knew no bounds. She didn’t just make things—she made them extraordinary. Her talent was inspiring, her imagination limitless, and her joy in creating was contagious. She left a little beauty everywhere she went, and her artistic spirit lives on in all of us lucky enough to have witnessed it. Her work experience was diverse, including memorable roles at Dixie Stampede and Pirates Voyage, as well as a few contracts with Celebrity Cruise Lines where she did costuming and seamstress work. Her warm personality and love of life touched many.

Her greatest masterpiece, though, was the love she poured into her family. Being a mother & grandmother wasn’t just part of her life—it was the heartbeat of it. She loved fiercely, showed up constantly, and made sure we all knew we were her everything. Her family was her pride, her purpose, and her joy. Every hug, every homemade meal, every thoughtful gesture was her way of saying “I love you” a thousand different ways.

Her love for the Lord was the foundation of her life. She lived with a deep and unwavering faith, trusting in God through every season, happy or hard. Her relationship with Jesus shaped how she loved, how she gave, and how she served others with grace and humility. While our hearts ache in her absence, we find peace in knowing she is now in the arms of our Savior, reunited with the loved ones she has longed to see again. What a glorious homecoming it must have been.

Survivors include her devoted daughters, Christina O’Connor and her husband Sean, with their children Lindsey, Nathan, and Caitlin of Little River, SC; Melissa Gay and her husband Alan, with their children Blake, Braden, and Brooklyn of Nashville, TN; and her son Derek Zecco of Worcester, MA. She is survived by her sister, Janet King, of Worcester, MA, niece Liz Kravitz of Madison, Wisconsin, sister-in-law Barbara King of Cape Cod, MA, niece Katherine Freehart of South Carolina & nephew Jonathan King (Maria) of South Carolina. She also leaves behind many other extended family members whom she loved deeply.

Her legacy is one of unconditional love and faith, and she will be missed dearly by her children & grandchildren.

A celebration of her life and faith will be held on a future date, arrangements are still being made.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to North Myrtle Beach Humane Society

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