Leota Jean Drake

It is with great sadness that the family of Leota Drake announce her passing at the age of 101 after a brief hospital stay at Lions Gate Hospital in North Vancouver. Lee was preceded in death by her husband George Drake (1996), sister Georgina Petterson (2001), sons Jim Drake (2006) and David Drake (2021). She is survived by her daughter Marlee Cooke (Drake) and seven grandchildren: Carla, Maria, Aurora, Ola, Basia, Shane and Sheldon.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on May 14,2022 at 2:00 p.m. in Highlands United Church, North Vancouver.

Leota was born and grew up in Bengough, Saskatchewan. Her father David, ran the General Store and Post Office and her mother Marie, was a nurse in the hospital. She and her sister, Georgina were immersed in music in a local band. Lee took piano lessons for many years and was very proficient. She also played the organ in many churches in those early days.

Leota began her teaching career in Heward, Saskatchewan in a one room schoolhouse with six grades. She also taught in Radville, Regina and then in Toronto after she was married.

In 1947 George and Leota were married in Bengough. George always called her Lee and after that everyone referred to her that way. After honeymooning in Winnipeg, they moved to Toronto where they lived for almost three years. Then it was back out west to Calgary where Jim and David were born. After five years there, George was transferred to Winnipeg, so the family was moving again. In Winnipeg they adopted Marlee. George’s work involved a lot of travelling so Lee had her work cut out for her looking after three young children on her own. Another transfer moved the Drake family to North Vancouver where they could finally put down roots and raise their family. Lee has lived in the family home since 1961.

Lee was very involved in Highland Church playing the piano for the Sunday School, starting the formation of the Couples Club, and working at Camp Fircom in the early days. Mostly the men were constructing new buildings and the women were running the common room were where meals were served. It was a real family affair where the children could play outside while the adults worked. The Couples Club later became the Highlanders where Lee would attend and see old friends.

Dancing was a huge part of Lee’s married life. She and George took dancing lessons for years developing wonderful friendships. As a group they would all go many dances together. They took lessons right up to the time George fell ill.

Travelling became a favourite pastime after George retired and they travelled all over the world. China, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Russia, Scandinavia some of their many destinations.

After George’s passing, Lee lived on her own for over 25 years and created a new life for herself. She had many friends and kept herself busier than ever still travelling a bit, continuing her involvement in the church, and attending local concerts and events.

In 2006 Jim, his wife Ljubica and three children, Carla, Maria, and Aurora moved back to Vancouver from Portugal. He was very ill and passed away about two months later. It was a hard time for Lee but out of tragedy came wonderful relationships with Ljubi, her three granddaughters, their husbands and later three great-grandchildren.

Lee loved life and being with good friends and family. Anyone who has had the pleasure of being with her recognizes this. Let us celebrate her life. It was a life well lived.

In lieu of flowers, a donation in memory of Lee can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.