Mary Drake

Mary Ellen Nolan Drake was born on Galveston Island, July 24, 1927, the third daughter of John Christopher Nolan and Lillian E. Lewis Nolan, who preceded her in death. She lived 88 meaningful, rewarding years, finding her heavenly rest Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Though diminutive in stature, Mary Ellen was the personification of the phrase "looks can be deceiving". From a young age, she excelled in scholastics, graduating from Galveston's Ball High and later attending the University of Texas. Returning to Galveston, Mary Ellen was employed at Black's Hardware. In 1945, she met and married the handsome and talented Willie Gus (Bill) Drake. Bill survives Mary Ellen and was the love of her life for their 70 years of marriage.

Mary Ellen was a worthy competitor, holding her own against older sisters, Lillian Lee (Benge), Betty Lou (Williams) and baby sister Doris Jean (Blackwelder), all of whom have preceded her in death.

Fairly traditional through the early years of marriage, Mary Ellen devoted herself to raising her three children. Robert G. Drake and wife Kathy, Cynthia Drake Koebcke and Rebecca Drake Ross McHenry and husband Wayne and sister-in-law Charlcie Veach carry on Mary Ellen's love of family, along with their children: Marsha Koebcke, Melissa Koebcke, Sam Koebcke, Alexis Drake Harper, Lauren Drake Culpepper, Shannon Drake Argueta, Kristen Ross Staggs, Melissa Ross Skovdal, Travis Ross, Audra McHenry Salazar, Emily Ross McKnight and 14 great grandchildren.

With her children successfully launched into their young adult worlds, Mary Ellen entered the workforce as a switchboard operator at Galveston County Memorial Hospital. From there she moved into the business office, where her interest in the developing computer age resulted in her working in and retiring as head of Data Processing in 1992.

Along the way, Mary Ellen developed a love for crafts, especially crocheting and knitting. She generously made and gave away hundreds of handcrafted blankets, caps, afghans and baby clothes. One of her favorite projects was joining a group of Galveston knitters to make helmet liners which were sent to U.S. Marines serving in Afghanistan.

Pall bearers and honorary pall bearers are Keith Argueta, Chase Culpepper, Tony Harper, Sam Koebcke, Wade McKnight, Travis Ross, Tony Salazar and Monty Staggs.

The family wishes to give special thanks to the administration and staff of Concord Assisted Living Broadway where Mary Ellen was cared for with compassion and affection. Dr. Daniel Piazza, Dr. Erin Hommel, Tammy Michaels, NP, Andrea Wirt, NP and the UTMB Emergency Department physicians and nurses gave special care to Mary Ellen and her family.

Gifts in memory of Mary Ellen Drake may be made to St. Vincent's Episcopal House, 2817 Post Office, Galveston, 77550 or Meals on Wheels, c/o Moody Methodist Church, 2803 53rd, Galveston, 77551.

Visitation service will take place at Emken-Linton Funeral Home, 5100 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway, Texas City. The family will receive friends prior to the Celebration service, Saturday May 14th, 2016, beginning at 9:00 AM, with the service to begin at 10:00 AM. Graveside services will continue at Hayes Grace Memorial Park and Chapel, 10708 Highway 6.

Visitation

EmkenLinton Funeral Home
5100 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway
Texas City, TX  77592
Saturday, May 14, 2016
9:00 a.m.

Service

EmkenLinton Funeral Home
5100 Emmett F. Lowry Expressway
Texas City, TX  77592
Saturday, May 14, 2016
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Grace Memorial Park
20708 Hwy. 6
Hitchcock, TX  77563

Memorial Contributions

St. Vincent's Episcopal House
2817 Post Office
Galveston, TX  77550

Moody Methodist Church
2803 53rd
Gavleston, TX  77551