Sandra Kay Drake 1942—2019
Sandra Kay Drake was born at home on December 18th 1942 in Shannon Illinois, Sandra passed away Thursday December 19th 2019 after 77 years, surrounded by family. After graduating from Illinois State University, Sandra was engaged October 12th, 1963 and soon joyfully married on July 31st, 1965 to Donald Drake of Forreston. Since arriving to Byron in 1968, Sandra and her family have been members of the United Church of Christ in Byron. Sandra helped numerous students in her 35 years of teaching having spent 3 years at Roberts-Thawville in Central Illinois before moving to the Byron School District in 1968 and teaching for 30 years before retiring in 1998. As active members in the Byron community, Sandy and Don were awarded the 2000 Citizens of the Year award for their loyalty and service. After being lifelong residents of Illinois, in 2013, Donald and Sandra moved to Audubon, PA to be closer to their immediate family. Sandra was proceeded in death by her parents Clarence and Lucille Wirtjes of Shannon. She is survived by her sister Karen Prasse (Wirtjes) of Athens, GA. Donald Drake husband of 54 years, son Todd Drake (Philadelphia, PA) wife Denelle (Green) granddaughter Emerson 14 and son Troy Drake (Ashburn, VA) wife Traci (McDanel) grandson Dawson 20 (Bloomington, IN) and granddaughter Abbey 16. A Celebration of Life Service in Memory of Sandra will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the United Church of Christ in Byron, IL. A Gathering of Friends will take place at the church following the Celebration of Life Service. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting to direct all support to the Byron Foundation for Educational Excellence, which was established in 1994. Sandra was a founding board member and treasurer. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made online via: http://kiwanis-of-byron.square.site/ The Kiwanis Club of Byron is hosting the donation site, with all proceeds directly written to the Byron Foundation or checks can be made payable to Byron Foundation and mailed: Byron Foundation, PO Box 739, Byron, IL 61010 The Byron Foundation, a 501c3 was created by Sandra Drake and a group of forward-thinking community members dedicated to providing learning opportunities for students that were not covered by school district funds. The originating board members had a long-term vision to enrich and supplement educational opportunities for Byron students in academics, fine arts, technology, careers, environmental, and social issues. Because of the founding members and many volunteers dedication to educational excellence, the Byron Foundation continues to provide annual grants for the past 25-years to the Byron School community.

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

Published by The Freeport Journal Standard from Dec. 24 to Dec. 26, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for Sandra Drake

17 Entries

Shannon Mastronardo

December 18, 2024

What a lovely friend with such grace! I am baking special treats for my son's wedding which Sandra also enjoyed to do. Sending thoughts and prayers to all her loved ones!

SHANNON MASTRONARDO

December 23, 2021

Christmas time brings out the bakers. I want Sandra's family to know how much I cherish my memories of her hosting parties at Isla and making such delicious goodies. She was so regal and so genuine! Prayers are being sent with love!

Jim Hayden

January 23, 2020

I just heard the sad news of Mrs Drake. To Don, Todd and Troy and entire family, my sincere condolences. Mrs Drake stood out as a beautiful woman, a kind and great teacher, and great mother to her kids. To Coach Drake, please accept my condolences on behalf myself and all the Hayden's.

Cheryl Lindquist

January 15, 2020

Condolences to her family and friends who loved her dearly. She was loved by students who were lucky enough to have a class with her.❤

Sharyn Mustari

Sent Flowers

January 8, 2020

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my cousin Sandra. Growing up in Illinois she was like a big sister to me. Her positive, bubbly, enriching personality will be deeply missed. I will always hold many fond memories of Sandra. Unfortunately we will not be able to attend her celebration of life but send our sincere condolences to Don and families.

Sharyn and Mike Mustari

Lori Maslin

January 3, 2020

My love of cooking and baking comes from Mrs. Drake. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was the outside. I still have my Betty Crocker cookbook from her class & I think of her everytime I look at it.
Heaven definitely gained an angel! Prayers sent for the family.

Terry and Jo Schmidt

January 2, 2020

Hearts and prayers to family. Great memory of Sandy jumping from her disabled convertible ride in the Carroll County Fair parade finishing the route past the grand stands on foot with the crowd roaring their appreciation!

Dawn Devries- Kielsmeier

December 31, 2019

I'm so sorry to hear of this. Sandra was a beautiful person and one of the best teachers I ever had. She was always one to listen and be helpful with anything. She was inspirational and someone I have always had tremendous respect for.

Laurie (Swanson) Burnworth

December 30, 2019

Dear Don, Troy, Todd and family: I am so very sad to learn of Sandy's passing! What a beautiful woman inside and outso kind and gracious and always with that sweet, warm smile. I feel blessed to have known her. Keeping you all in thought and prayer during this difficult time.

Yuko Haga (Fukuchi)

December 30, 2019

I still remember well Mrs. Drake's bright smile inviting me to her class "Home Economics" in Byron Highschool in Spring 1990. Thank you, Mrs. Drake, for your kindness. To my regret, I did not take your class at that time (because I was too young and intereseted in something else, I suppose) , but after many years, I sometimes came back to think about the precious year in Byron HS, and wanted to thank you for generosity and care for me. I chose to be a teacher, too, and I hope to face my students as you did for your students, including me.

Carrie Head-Luttrell

December 30, 2019

Mrs. Drake was a beautiful human being, both inside and out. She was an excellent teacher, one of my favorites. So very kind and soft spoken, we had a lot of respect for her. Heartfelt thoughts and prayers for the Drake family.

Kathleen Wiltfang-Schmitz

December 30, 2019

Mr. Drake, Todd and Troy,
I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. Mrs. Drake was an amazing teacher. She inspired so many of us at Byron High School. Prayers for all of you and your families.

Gail Boudin

December 30, 2019

Wonderful memories in the 1980s of sewing and home economics!!thoughts and prayers to her husband and extended families!!

Shannon/Dennis Mastronardo

December 27, 2019

Don and family,
Our hearts are filled with sorrow at this very difficult time. Many prayers are being sent from Isla! I adored Sandra's genuine personality. Her smile was contagious. Sandra was always eager to contribute her culinary talent for our Condo Socials. I appreciated her commitment to helping host them. Sandra was a fabulous model at Patchington for our fashion show luncheons. I enjoyed our times together finding the outfit that would work best. She had such a special style that was unique to her. A real beauty both inside and out. Sandra was so unselfish. She worried about you Don and hoped for your healing. Her spirit will now stick by your side and help guide you with signs. A love that you both had for each other will last for all of eternity. May God bring you His Powerful Mercy and Compassion as you grieve. Dennis and I will put you on our prayer list for grace to fall upon you. God Bless you and all the family and friends that truly loved this beautiful woman that God has called back. She is simply unforgettable in every way!
Love, Shannon Mastronardo, St. Petersburg, Florida

Gary & Judy Hassler

December 27, 2019

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Drake family during this time of sorrow over the loss of Sandra.
Sandra was one of the best teachers that I have worked with. Her caring attitude was obvious, and that guided her instruction. She had the respect of her students, their parents, and her colleagues. The Byron School District was fortunate to have her on its staff.
We will miss you, Sandra, and we are thankful to have known you. With respect, Gary & Judy Hassler

December 25, 2019

We are so sorry to hear of the loss of my cousin, Sandra. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family. We would love to be at the service on 1-18-20, but we will be out of the country on a cruise. Our conolences to Don the their family. Gary and Mary Steinhagen, Beloit, Wi

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results