Joan Margaret Drake

Joann "Joan" Margaret Drake (nee Neuser), age 86, of St. Clair Shores, passed from this life into the arms of her Savior, on Tuesday morning, May 23, 2017 at Shelby Crossing Memory Care, Shelby Township, Michigan. She was born on February 17, 1931 in Detroit, Michigan the daughter of the late Joseph Carl and Florence Henrietta (Kaiser) Neuser. Joan was a 1949 graduate of Nativity Catholic High School. Her first job was with Detroit Insurance Company. She married Charles Edgar Drake on December 30, 1953 at St. Juliana Catholic Church, Detroit, Michigan. They raised their four children in St. Clair Shores and she resided there for 60 years. Jo was a very active member at St. Germaine Catholic Church, now known as Our Lady of Hope until her health declined. She was very involved with helping with funeral luncheons, church cleaning, and choir and sang at many funerals as a cantor with her beautiful soprano voice. She was always praying for everyone. Jo loved to travel with her sisters and went on many trips to Spain, Quebec, Marco Island, Florida, and the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. Jo also enjoyed knitting club with her sisters and friends, ceramics, painting, and made each grandchild a knitted afghan to cherish. Her true passion was the love and prayers she had for her family. Jo is survived by her sons Steve & Patty Drake of Midland, Michigan, Gary & Karen Drake of Macomb Twp., Michigan, and her daughter Peggy Drake of Holland, Michigan, and son-in-law Tom Wallenfang of Branch, Michigan; grandchildren Sara Wallenfang of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jesse Wallenfang of Indiana, Stephanie & Jon May of Lakewood Colorado, Ryan & Rachel Drake of Ray Twp., Erik Drake of Midland, Michigan, Chelsea & Phil Hellman of Silverton, Oregon, Hilary & Jon Knutson of Great Falls, Montana; and great-grandchild Merritt Hellman; sisters Rosemary Gates, Ann & James McManus; brother Carl & Annadele Neuser; brother-in-law Bill Phillips; and many nieces and nephews. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Chuck, her daughter Kathy Wallenfang, her sister Bette Phillips, and her brother-in-law Ken Gates. The family would also like to thank Linda Taite and her staff at Shelby Crossing Legacy Memory Care for the great care they took of Joan. Visitation Tuesday, May 30, 2017 from 3-8 pm with Prayers at 7 pm at Kaul Funeral Home, 28433 Jefferson Avenue, St. Clair Shores. Instate Wednesday, May 31, 2017 9:30 am until time of Mass at 10 am at Our Lady of Hope, 28301 Little Mack, St. Clair Shores. Interment at Sacred Heart Cemetery, Roseville, Michigan. Memorial contributions to the Capuchins would be appreciated.