Marjorie Ann Drake

Born on January 14, 1940, in Terre Haute, Indiana, Marge was the daughter of Robert and Mary Smith. She earned her nursing credentials before dedicating herself to raising her family. After moving to Upper Arlington, she obtained her real estate license and joined Cam Taylor Realtors, where she built a remarkable career that spanned nearly five decades.

Marge earned numerous accolades, including being recognized as an Outstanding Citizen and Professional and receiving the prestigious 1989 REALTOR-Salesperson of the Year award. While proud of her professional accomplishments, she measured her success in the relationships she built. The friendships formed at Cam Taylor lasted a lifetime, and she cherished them as family.

Marge never met a stranger and had a gift for making people feel welcome. Whether you were a lifelong friend, a new neighbor, a client, or someone she had just met, she made people feel they belonged. Her home, her table, and her heart were always open. Her warmth was matched by a sharp wit and infectious sense of humor; her quick comebacks and perfectly timed observations could light up a room and leave everyone smiling. Despite a demanding career, family was always her first priority. She rarely missed a game, event, celebration, or chance to be with the people she loved, and her family could always count on her support, encouragement, and unwavering presence.

During the winter months, Marge followed the warm weather south, where she embraced the ocean and beach. One of her greatest passions was scuba diving, where she found freedom, adventure, and wonder. Never content to keep that joy to herself, she introduced family members, including grandchildren, to the beauty of the underwater world, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

A faithful member of Our Lady of Victory Church, Marge believed deeply in serving others and devoted countless hours to clothing and food drives for families in Southern Ohio. Her quiet generosity reflected a life rooted in faith, hard work, gratitude, and service. She will be remembered for her devotion to family, infectious sense of humor, generous spirit, and boundless enthusiasm for life, approaching each day with resilience, joy, and appreciation for both life’s great adventures and simple blessings. Though small in stature, she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy that will live on through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the many lives she touched.

Marge was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, John; her parents, Robert and Mary Smith; her cherished stepfather, “Pete” McDaniel; grandsons Mark and Ryan Drake; and son-in-law Brian Bichsel.

She is survived by her children, Andrew (Jeannie) Drake, Jeffrey (Jean) Drake, Christine Bichsel, and Amy (John) Masters; sisters Jane Vaughan, Barbara (Mickey) Cole, and Quinn (Joe) Tatum; grandchildren Sean Drake, Leigh Anne Drake, Katie Drake, Kristen (Jacob) Hinton, Kevin (Vanessa) Drake, Jenn (Andrew) Frashier, Dan (Christlin) Bichsel, Tom (Morgan) Bichsel, Jack Bichsel, Jake Carriero, and Anna Carriero; 10 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and cherished friends.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Schoedinger Northwest, 1740 Zollinger Road, Columbus, OH 43221. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following day on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 10:30am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 1559 Roxbury Rd, Columbus, OH 43212, with burial to follow the service at Union Cemetery, 3349 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202.

Marge's family is especially thankful for the remarkable Rowan House team at Friendship Village. Their genuine affection, attentive care, and unwavering compassion made her final years filled with comfort, friendship, laughter, and dignity. The family will forever be grateful for the love they showed her each day. Lastly, Marge and family are also exceptionally grateful for the never ending support, counsel, and friendship of Brian and Jill Kuyper and Dr. Steven and Barbara Lichtblau. No words can express what you meant to her and us.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Marge’s memory to Ocean Conservancy or the charity of your choice.

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