Carolyn R. Drake

1948 - 2012

PLAINFIELD - Carolyn R. Drake, 64, of Plainfield, died Saturday at Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Northampton. Carolyn was born in Northampton, June 1, 1948, to the late Frank C. and Ruth (Hedberg) Davis, Jr.
She was a graduate of Wahconah Regional High School with the class of 1966.
Following her graduation, Carolyn worked in the accounting department of the Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company in Springfield. Carolyn was introduced to Edgar James Drake, Jr. in 1968 at the 100th Cummington Fair. Three days later, Jim asked Carolyn to marry him which was the beginning of a wonderful marriage that lasted for 43 years. For over twelve years, Carolyn lived the life of a sailor's wife in Chula Vista, CA while Jim continued to serve in the United States Navy. Upon Jim's retirement from the service in 1981, they decided to come back East and bought a 30 acre farm in Plainfield, MA. For the next thirty years, Carolyn loved to spoil her niece and nephews and was especially devoted to her pets and farm animals. Her true passion was working on the "Double-D Ranch", the farm she shared with Jim. Though she loved to keep up an elegant appearance, she was not afraid of getting her hands dirty. In addition to working on her farm, she worked in the clerical department of the former United Bank in Greenfield. Carolyn also drove a school bus and worked in the school cafeteria at Berkshire Trail Elementary School. Carolyn was a member of the Cummington Village Church, its choir, and was also a member of the Hilltown Choral Society. Music was always an integral part of Carolyn's life. She enjoyed her many opportunities to share her voice with others at special and significant occasions. In appreciation of her lending her beautiful voice to many of their installations, the Free Masons made her an honorary member, which was something she was always very proud of. Carolyn is survived by her husband, Jim; two sisters, Barbara Mary Robb and her husband David, and Mary Ellen Puntin and her husband Bill; her nephews and niece, Aaron Robb and his wife Lynn, Dana Robb and his wife Heather, Chris Puntin, and Beth Ortins and her husband Jimmy; and her great-nieces and great-nephews, Nicholas Puntin, Hayden, Lily and Colby Robb, and Vincent Ortins. Carolyn's family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to her neighbors and the extraordinary volunteers and EMTs with the Plainfield Fire Department for all of their help and generosity during her recent illnesses.
A memorial service will be held for Carolyn at the Cummington Village Church on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at 11 AM.
Burial will be at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Carolyn's memory to the Hilltown Choral Society c/o Judy Small, PO Box 534, Worthington, MA 01098 or to the Plainfield Fire Department c/o Chief Dennis Thatcher. Pease and Gay Funeral Home of Northampton has been entrusted with her arrangements.