HAYDEE O DRAKE's Obituary
Haydee O. Drake, Obituary
On the evening of July 5, 2019 Haydee O. Drake of Coral Gables went to be with the Lord at the age of 95.
Haydee Drake was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico in July of 1924. After earning her secretarial degree in Indiana, she moved to Miami to work as a stewardess with Pan American Airlines where she met handsome flight engineer, Wayne H. Drake. They were married 64 years and raised four children together. Mother and homemaker, she was involved in her church and bible study at Granada Presbyterian. Her strong faith in Christ provided strength and wisdom throughout her life.
Haydee enjoyed using her business and fashion sense, even creating her own fashion company, H&M Fashions with her sister Carmen. Her communication skills were highly valued while working for First National Bank of Miami, during the early 1960’s, the beginning of the Cuban immigration era. When her children were young, she enjoyed serving within the community as a patron for the Museum of Science.
Haydee was well known for her charm, grace, class and elegance. Although a delicate and beautiful lady she did not lack strength of character. She played duplicate bridge for years and was recognized and honored with The Inner Club Bridge Chairperson award for her “outstanding contribution to the success and traditions of the Coral Gables Country Club Inner Club Programs” in 2006. She also led the committee to remove smoking from the bridge rooms in the club.
Haydee is preceded in death by her parents German and Maria Teresa Ortiz, her husband Wayne Drake, and sisters Adelita Wallace, Maria Teresa Ruiz, and Marina Smith. She is survived by four children; Terry (Jim) Chandler, Pamela Drake, Mitch (Jennie) Drake, and Cary (Bonita) Drake, seven grandchildren; Mason (Emily) Drake, Jessica (Jim) Cheynoweth, Michael, Joy (Scott) Campbell, Joe Boyd, Austin Drake and Sterling Drake; 10 great grandchildren; her sister Carmen Winter and brother German Ortiz.
Haydee will be fondly remembered by her friends and will live on forever in the hearts of those who dearly loved her.
Memorial Service to be held at Granada Presbyterian Church (sanctuary), Saturday September 14, 2019, 3:00 p.m. Reception to follow.
Graveside Service Monday, September 16, 2:00 p.m., Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.
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