Dorothy Drake
In Memory of
Dorothy
Drake (Turnbull)
1930 -
2017

Obituary for Dorothy Drake (Turnbull)

Dorothy  Drake (Turnbull)
Parlin
Dorothy J. Drake (nee Turnbull) age 87 of the Parlin section of Sayreville, passed away Wednesday November 22, 2017 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick with her loving family at her side. Born in Newark she has resided in Parlin since 1954. Dorothy was a member of South Amboy First Presbyterian Church for many years and was a born-again Christian.

Daughter of the late Walter Ford & Catherine Turnbull Parker (nee Schell), she is predeceased by her husband, Frederick R. Drake Sr. in 1982, her son, Frederick R. Drake, Jr. in 2000, her sisters Caroline Minnella-Mayer and Kathleen Parker-Merola and her brother Walter Ford Turnbull. Surviving are her son, Douglas W. Drake (Kathy Hoffman) of Monmouth Junction, her daughter, Darleen Drake (Ken Little) of Parlin, her granddaughter, Courtney E. Drake of Spotswood, her brother, Walter Parker of North Arlington and several nieces and nephews.

Dorothy was a true rarity ~ she found complete contentment in being “just” a homemaker. She absolutely loved her calling and role in life as wife and mom. Dorothy enjoyed crocheting blankets and dolls for her family.
Later in life, when her children were grown, Dorothy discovered genealogy and became the “Nancy Drew” of the family tree. And, she did it the old-fashioned way: with books, microfiche machines and mailing letters with postage stamps ~ no computers. And she was always ever so grateful to all those people who were willing to share their information with her.

Dorothy also loved her pets ~ particularly her cats (and especially the Persians). Although she loved and raised many through the years, she leaves behind Baby Jane, who she lovingly referred to as “Poopsie”. Perhaps, just perhaps, they were awaiting her arrival at the “Rainbow Bridge.”

But Dorothy didn’t die and we didn’t “lose” her. We know exactly where she is ~ she just changed her address.

Funeral services will be held Thursday 10am at the Carmen F. Spezzi Funeral Home 15 Cherry Lane Parlin followed by burial at Christ Church Cemetery, South Amboy.

Calling hours at the funeral home will be held Wednesday 6pm to 9pm.
Completed arrangements, directions and letters of condolence may be found by visiting www.spezzifuneralhome.com.

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