Obituary of Frances Nancy Drake

In loving memory of Frances "Nancy" Drake, 80, who passed away after a two-year courageous battle with breast and bone cancer on 6/3/2016. She is survived by her children, Lewis SR, Yvonne, Larry, and Laura, her grandchildren Shannon, Lewis Jr, and Timothy as well as her four legged and feathered "grand fluffs" Bentley, Aston Martin, Squeaks, Rocky, Tumbles, Mr. Bond, Fancy, Nessie, Valentine and the girls aka the chickens. Nancy was a world traveler living in many states including, Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Virginia, and New Jersey. She graduated at the top of her class at Hoyt School of Nursing and had a successful career as a Licensed Practical Nurse, not only at Montrose General Hospital but found her tender, compassionate nature fit best in geriatric home and end of life care in the Tunkhannock and Scranton area. She also had a flourishing business in Reading, PA at Pomeroy's department store providing delicious meals at the snack bar with her husband for 7 years before moving to Maui, Hawaii. However, she loved her life as a farmer, living it to the fullest while tending her pet chickens as well as roaming her 188-acre farm in search of the "mother lode" of blueberries, black caps, and black berries. She would then transform these "gems from nature" into culinary delights that no formerly trained pastry chef could surpass. She always shared her knowledge and passion for cooking with her children, which allowed them to prepare a 4-star meal with even the most limited of ingredients. Her children also benefited from her guidance and life lessons, such as "always take to the high ground", having a good work ethic, and living by the "golden rule" which provided them with a solid foundation allowing them to go into the world with confidence and the ability to persevere. She often referred to herself as the "Irish wash women" since she doted on hanging laundry as she did her loved ones, taking care that all be treated with the special care that they each deserved. She will be sadly missed by all but we are glad she is at peace. Most likely she is in heaven with Lady Shelby, her beloved grand fluff, who passed in 2013, leading the parade as a true woman of honor in all her glory and splendor which she truly deserves. To commemorate Nancy's life, a memorial service will be held June 18, 2016 at Living Water Bible Church, 177 Kings Highway, Mount Royal, NJ 08061, at 1:30 pm with a reception immediately following at the Red Hen Restaurant, 1303 Kings Highway, Swedesboro, NJ. Condolences can be left at Laughrey Funeral Home's website www.laughreyfuneralhome.com