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CAROL DRAKE

1945 - 2018

CAROL DRAKE obituary, 1945-2018, Lakeland, FL

BORN

1945

DIED

2018

FUNERAL HOME

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

328 South Ingraham Avenue

Lakeland, Florida

CAROL DRAKE Obituary

CAROL DRAKE, 73

LAKELAND - Carol Drake, 73, of Lakeland, Florida, died at home on September 2, 2018, surrounded by family.
Carol was born on June 18, 1945, in New York City, the first child of the late Edward and Mary Carapezza. When she was ten, her father's position as a mechanic for Pan American Airlines moved the family to Turkey, then Germany, and in her senior year of high school, to Dover, Delaware. She graduated from the University of Maryland School of Nursing in 1968, before serving for two years in the United States Army as a Captain in the Nursing Corp. She requested to be stationed first in Thailand, so that she could marry Francis Drake, her husband now of almost fifty years. In 1974, they moved to Lakeland with their two young children, Michael and Cathleen. Her early overseas experiences instilled a life-long love of travel.
Carol worked as a nurse in the emergency room at Lakeland Regional Medical Center, before earning her master's degree in nursing at the University of South Florida in 1992. She returned to work as an advanced registered nurse practitioner, and for the last twenty-four years of her life cared for Polk County Health Department HIV/AIDS patients.
A devout Catholic, she recalled dedicating herself to becoming a nun at the age of twelve, consuming only bread and water for several weeks. She was a member of St. Joseph's Church where she is known for her faith, friendship, and her beautiful collection of vintage hats.
She devoted herself fully to whatever endeavor she took on, leading PTA's at her children's schools; keeping her daughter's girl scout troop together; serving for several years as head of the Catholic War Veterans; organizing off-the-beaten-path international adventures for her family; and showering her grandchildren with love, kisses, stories, music, wisdom, cards, and treats.
As a nurse practitioner, she cared for over three hundred patients with expertise and compassion -- even baking weekly batches of cookies to share at office visits. Although she never shared her famous cookie recipe outside the family (a benefit to marrying into it), she baked cookies for anyone who might need them, which to her meant just about everyone. In fact, to Carol, everyone always benefited from dessert, which she made sure to order before dinner in case the restaurant should run out. She was a long-time supporter of Bok Tower Gardens, in particular of their Children's Garden. She was recently selected to serve on the board of visitors of the University of Maryland School of Nursing.
She is survived by her husband, Francis; son Michael (of Oakland, California); daughter Cathleen Drake Nelson (of Lakeland); Michael's wife Corii Liau and their children Violet and Willow Drake; and Cathleen's husband Joshua and their children Sophia, Ezra, and Ada Nelson.
She is survived also by her brothers Edward Carapezza (Marsha Brown) of Ashaway, Rhode Island, and Dennis Carapezza (Karen) of Wellsville, Pennsylvania.
She is admired by her friends, patients, and people all over Lakeland, many of whom know her for her unique sense of style, sense of humor, and warmth. Her family is known largely as being related to 'the woman with the bun who walks the lake.' She is adored by her family, to whom she gave enough love for several lifetimes, adventures they will never forget, and an exemplar of courage, generosity, open-mindedness, and creativity.
Services will be held at St. Joseph's Church in Lakeland on Thursday, September 13, 2018, at 10:30 am. A reception in her memory will be held in the Tribute Center at Heath Funeral Chapel on Thursday, September 13, 2018, from 4 - 6 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bok Tower Gardens at 1151 Tower Blvd, Lake Wales, FL 33863; or to The University of Maryland School of Nursing at 655 W. Lombard St, Baltimore, MD 21201.
Condolences may be sent to the family at heathfuneralchapel.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Ledger from Sep. 11 to Sep. 12, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for CAROL DRAKE

Not sure what to say?





Deborah Owen

January 9, 2019

Carol, I was so very heartbroken when I found out today of your passing. I have had you in my Prayers for a long time. Being your patient for so many years I want to thank you for you loving care and support and your smile and hugs and treats every time I had an appointment with you! I Know you are at Peace but I sure will miss seeing you. No one can ever take your place and care for me the way you did❤

Kate Thomsen

October 8, 2018

I'm so very sorry for the loss of such beautiful, kind and creative woman. My deepest sympathies for the family and friends of a person who touched so many where ever she walked. I have saved every card she ever sent me, she always had kind thoughts and words for all.

Kathy Gallagher Sullivan

September 16, 2018

Carol, you were always a delight to work with. We worked together many years ago at Wellman Center, Radiation Therapy. You had so much patience and were always good to the staff and our cancer patients. I know you are with Our Lord in Heaven. You did so much good to all who came to know you. I heard of your passing at Mass this morning. I was so saddened by our great loss. I send condolences to all of your family especially Dr. Drake. May the Lord spare them pain and let them know you are in Glory with the Angels and Saints. May you rest in peace lovely and sweet lady. You will be missed.

Kevin Short

September 12, 2018

Carol was one of the most wonderful and unique people I have ever know and this news saddens me. She will be missed by myself and many others. She will mever be forgotten.

KB

September 12, 2018

Loving, caring, beautiful spirited lady.
KB in Polk City

Jane Bryant

September 11, 2018

My sympathy to the family. I met and knew Carol as a Girl Scout leader.

David Price

September 10, 2018

Carol was a live wire, with a twinkle in her eye. She marched to a different drummer. She was a joy. We need more Carols in this world.

September 6, 2018

Mrs. Drake was a wonderful, strong woman, always a pleasure to be around. She will be missed by everyone who was blessed enough to have known her.

Angela volz

September 5, 2018

Carol my prayers have been with you I know you are with our Lord. Im so happy that i had the opportunity to work with. You always had s smile on your face. Your patience will miss you
We all are going to miss you
Thank you for our little tea party❤you have a place in my heart always. Many blessings to your family love you

Angela volz

September 5, 2018

Carol my prayers have been with you I know you are with our Lord. Im so happy that i had the opportunity to work with. You always had s smile on your face. Your patience will miss you
We all are going to miss you
Thank you for our little tea party❤you have a place in my heart always. Many blessings to your family love you

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Memorial Events
for CAROL DRAKE

Sep

13

Visitation

4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801

Sep

13

Service

10:30 a.m.

St. Joseph's Church

Lakeland, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Heath Funeral Chapel & Crematory

328 South Ingraham Avenue, Lakeland, FL 33801

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