PEABODY – Mrs. Barbara Lea (Youder) Drake 82, of Brooksby Village, Peabody, formerly of Topsfield, MA and Hampton, NH, beloved wife of the late Charles Albert Drake III, died peacefully, Friday, December 15th, 2023 at her home.

Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late William and Dorothy Virginia (Emerick) Youder. She was raised and educated in Minneapolis, MN and was a graduate of South West High School. She continued her education at Pensacola Junior College in Florida.

Barbara met a young United States Navy man by the name of Charles Drake and they created a wonderful life and family together. As a young couple they moved to San Diego, CA and Pensacola, FL before settling down in Topsfield where they raised their loving family. Family was the focus of Barbara's life. She created a warm and loving home for her husband and three boys. She encouraged and supported them in all of their endeavors.

Barbara was woven into the fabric of every community she resided in. From her 20 plus years in Topsfield, her subsequent two decades in Hampton, and with her most recent time at Brooksby Village, she has made friends easily through her outgoing and engaging nature. She drew people in with her magnetic personality. So many of her neighbors and friends have commented that Barbara truly knew how to be a friend.

Barbara was artistically talented and shared her gifts through many mediums; Oil based painting, sewing, crafting and One Stroke painting. More recently, she taught One Stroke painting classes at Brooksby Village, just one of many ways that she has shared her talents and inspired others. During her time in Topsfield, she worked at Color Me Beautiful, The Write Expression, and The Gift Horse. Spending her time at these local family-owned businesses allowed her to share her talents, enthusiasm for crafts and people all at the same time.

Barbara was a member of the Topsfield Garden Club and the Red Hat Society in Hampton again expressing her boundless ability of connecting with others. During her time at Brooksby Village, Barbara was an Ambassador, welcoming potential and new residents to the community.

Although modest in her own thoughts and being, Barbara was the heart of many of her friend groups, truly without even knowing it. She was easy to laugh, quick to smile and cared without exception. All the while appreciative of the kindness given and shown to her. She was grateful for the little things and made sure you knew how much it meant to her.  She was truly thankful to have such close friends and family that adored her.

Barbara's greatest accomplishment was her family and she loved her boys and grandchildren unconditionally. Barbara is survived by her sons, Gregory Drake and his wife, Pamela of Port St. Lucie, FL, Jeffrey Drake and his wife, Rebecca of Mont Vernon, NH, and Michael Drake and his wife, Sharon of Topsfield, MA and her grandchildren, Austin, Dylan, Charlotte, Emily, Owen, Evan, Tanner and Grady Drake and many dear friends. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Charles Albert Drake III.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Barbara's life which will be held at Danversport Yacht Club at 161 Elliott Street, Danvers, MA from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Friday, January 26, 2024. A private burial was held at Pine Grove Cemetery in Topsfield. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Barbara's memory to Care Dimensions - www.caredimensions.org/support-our-mission/ways-to-give/annual-fund . To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Care Dimensions
75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers MA 01923
Web: https://www.caredimensions.org/