Judith Ann Drake (1952-2026)
Judith Ann Drake was born on January 2, 1952, in Elmira, New York, and passed peacefully on January 26, 2026, in Bend, Oregon, surrounded by her immediate family, at age 74.
Judi is survived by her devoted husband of 49 years, Dan Drake; her son, James Drake, of Sacramento, California; her daughter, Erica Farrell, and son-in-law, Brett Farrell, of Bend, Oregon; her cherished granddaughters, Bailey and Sydney; extended family; and many dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, James William Schwartz (1927-2009), her mother, Anita Jacqueline Botnick (1929-2011), and her brother, Michael Irwin Schwartz (1947-1980).
Before chronic illness changed the course of her life, Judi was an energetic and caring mother, wife, and member of the community in Yreka, California, where she and Dan made their home, beginning in 1978.
Judi’s childhood included time in Princeton, New Jersey, Phoenix, Arizona, and the Chicago area, where she graduated from Lyons Township High School. Summer trips to visit family in the Finger Lakes were among her fondest childhood memories.
Around 1971, Judi moved to the Davis, California area, to be closer to her older brother, Michael, where she enrolled in early childhood education courses—first at Solano Community College, and later at UC Davis. In Davis, she made enduring friendships and spent time in nature with her dog, Chance, an early instance of her lifelong enjoyment of nature and dogs.
It was during this time that she met Dan. Their partnership was immediate and joyful, built on shared adventures, humor, and an eagerness to start a family and life together. They married on December 19, 1976, in Soda Springs, California.
Yreka became the place where Judi put down roots and never looked back, volunteering with Children's Home Society, Siskiyou County Head Start, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Gold Street School, Yreka Community Theater, Madrone Hospice, and later working as a substitute teacher. As pleasant and courteous as she was capable, leadership positions for new volunteer efforts often came her way, and although she never sought them, she seldom refused requests for her help.
Judi’s creative and theatrical sides came out in the form of crafts, costumes, cakes, and confections, as well as countless improvised songs, poems, and dance sessions, most often performed in the kitchen, to an audience of her dogs and children. She was also active and outdoorsy, whether skiing, swimming, exhibiting her gymnastic skills on the trampoline, riding her rambunctious horse Camelot, or camping in the family trailer. Summer trips to Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park became a sacred tradition.
In 1998, at age 46, Judi was diagnosed with Churg-Strauss Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disease that would dramatically limit her independence for her remaining 28 years, which she took on with characteristic positivity, gratitude, and faith in God.
Despite her debilitating illness, Judi traveled when she could, fulfilling lifelong dreams including trips to Australia, Alaska, Niagara Falls, and London, and she lived to see milestones once thought unreachable: her children’s graduations, her daughter’s wedding, and the births of her two granddaughters.
When asked later in life what the best decision she ever made was, she answered unhesitatingly: having children. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Judi volunteered with Madrone Hospice, in Yreka, and later relied on their support when her beloved father, Jim, spent his final days at home with her. Years later, St. Charles Hospice, in Bend, provided similarly compassionate support at the end of Judi’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites those who wish to honor Judi’s memory to donate in her name to:
Madrone Hospice
www.madronehospice.org/donate
255 Collier Circle
Yreka, CA 96097
St. Charles Hospice
https://foundation.stcharleshealthcare.org/ways-give/donate
2275 NE Doctors Drive
Bend, OR 97701
Siskiyou Humane Society
https://checkout.shelterluv.com/donate/SISK
1208 N. Mt. Shasta Blvd
Mount Shasta, CA 96067
Judi did not want a funeral or burial but did want her friends and family to be together to share in some of her favorite stories, poetry, and music, in remembrance and celebration. In lieu of an in-person gathering, the family invites loved ones to post a tribute below on the Memory Wall and/or to reach out directly to a family member with a current address so they can receive a forthcoming printed memorial.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Horse
by Judi Drake
Up the mountainside, together we fly
on Camelot’s back, into the sky.
Stopping here at God’s front door—
to peace and love forever more.
Judi's Farewell Words
The things I love to do most are to dance, sing, and laugh. I have to say, somewhat sadly, that I tend to dance by myself in my house. I turn on some great music, get my dogs ready for action, and go crazy dancing from room to room. The dogs think it’s great… hopefully the neighbors aren’t looking! And singing tends to be in my car or my shower (when I’m alone). Although there have been many good vocal renditions of Celine Dion, Rascal Flats, etc. with my crazy daughter! Many fond memories of Erica and me tooling down the freeway at 65 miles per hour, belting out some great melodies and then busting a gut afterward, at our lousy renditions!! Thank goodness Erica (whose voice is at least somewhat decent) was always patient and understanding of my rather screechy singing. Although I did catch a glimpse of her raised eyebrow a time or two!
And laughing! Well, that is something I will always take the opportunity to do no matter when and where! I like to giggle. I like to laugh. I like to go all out and bust a gut. There is nothing better than laughing til you pee your pants. James started making me laugh when he was pretty young. He had the amazing ability to imitate voices—especially cartoon characters! I still feel that laugh bubbling in the pit of my stomach and gurgling up and out when I recall “Sir Hiss” from “Robin Hood” …OK, I’m laughing right now!
James and Erica made me smile. They made me laugh (and yes, occasionally they made me cry). They were the light of my life. The joy they brought to my life is indescribable. And D.J. could make me laugh just by saying, “I’ve got a new joke to tell you!” A new joke from D.J. meant a long, drawn-out story with such detail and exactness on his part that you would almost cringe at the thought—and that in itself I always found to be hilarious!
I have had many wonderful and fortunate things happen to me over my lifetime… so many things I am grateful for. Love of family, friends, and neighbors. My fantastic dogs, my horses. And a wonderful place to live and raise a family. I am thankful each time I look out my front window over our horse pasture and across to the mountain. Each season brought me a new treasure. As I am writing this (in 2006), it is November and autumn has burst out in a flame of brilliant reds, oranges, and golds. It is by far my favorite season. I am saddened by the somewhat recent loss of Camelot, my horse. I miss seeing him kick up his hind legs, swing his mane of black hair and sail across the pasture to greet me. But the memories are fond. In the end it will be Camelot who comes to carry me upward. He will be my vessel to God’s door.
When I became ill with CSS in 1998, I had difficulty coping with all the changes—both medically and emotionally. I couldn’t go to work, care for my own children, volunteer at my favorite organizations… and boy was I suddenly vain! I didn’t realize how vain I was until I was faced with being fat, cushingoid, and physically hindered from activities I loved. I was so embarrassed by my appearance I avoided going out in public. Talk about needing a good slap in the face and a shot of reality. If nothing else, my illness eventually opened my eyes to the difficulties so many people face every day. And to the hindrances and handicaps they must overcome. People with far more on their plate than I have. I thank God every day for what I have. I ask him every day to open my heart, my eyes, and my mind to the lessons he is trying to have me see. And I ask his forgiveness when I close myself to those lessons. My driving force toward moving forward every day, no matter how I feel, has been God. I have never once questioned his presence and his purpose. He has been with me through everything, good and bad. And I think his greatest gift to me was placing, in front of me, my family. Allowing me to see how much they loved me, no matter how I looked, no matter how I felt, no matter how I acted. My family was always a constant in my life, even with the guilt I had for not giving them what I felt they deserved. In the end, if they felt they deserved more from me, they never showed it.
My life has not been what I planned or expected. But then, whose is? We grow older. We have challenges, difficulties, good times, bad times… some of our hopes and dreams come to fruition. Some smolder and die. And sometimes things turn out even better than we had planned and hoped. We may not accomplish everything we want. What I do know is this. If we don’t try, we certainly will not succeed. I found that I was much more content at trying and failing than not trying at all. I know I would get very frustrated, tired, and even depressed when I would have to “start all over again” with a task or goal or recent accomplishment “gone bad.” But the idea of giving up, not functioning, not even trying… that became unacceptable.
I believe I will know when it is time for me to lie down and let go. God will guide me to my quiet place. He will tell me it is time. And I trust I will listen to God and accept, graciously, the last chapter of my life.
I truly hope that my memorial will be one of happy memories, not one of sad tearful loss. I want music and I want people to speak of even small thoughts or memories they have. Remember: Dance, laugh, and sing—and don’t save it for your shower!
With my love and greatest appreciation to all of you.
– Judi
Favorite Words
Mom loved music, lyrics and poems. We wanted to share some of her favorite song lyrics and poems and hope that you find joy in them.
On My Way Home
by Enya
I have been given
One moment from heaven
As I am walking
Surrounded by night
Stars high above me
Make a wish under moonlight
On my way home
I remember
Only good days
I'm on my way home
I can remember
Every new day
I move in silence
With each step taken
Snow falling round me
Like angels in flight
Far in the distance
Is my wish under moonlight
On my way home
I remember
Only good days
On my way home
I remember
All the best days
I'm on my way home
I can remember
Every new day
On my way home
I remember
Only good days
On my way home
I remember
Only good days
I Hope You Dance
by Lee Ann Womack
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty-handed
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance (dance)
I hope you dance (dance)
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Livin' might mean takin' chances, but they're worth takin'
Lovin' might be a mistake, but it's worth makin'
Don't let some hell bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sellin' out, reconsider
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion)
I hope you dance (always rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years)
I hope you dance (and wonder where those years have gone)
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance, I hope you dance (dance)
I hope you dance (time is a wheel in constant motion)
I hope you dance (always rolling us along)
I hope you dance (tell me who wants to look back on their years)
I hope you dance (and wonder where those years have gone)
Tell me who wants to look back on their years (dance)
And wonder where those years have gone (dance)
Humble and Kind
by Tim McGraw
You know there's a light that glows by the front door
Don't forget the key's under the mat
When childhood stars shine
Always stay humble and kind
Go to church 'cause your mamma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won't be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind
Hold the door, say "please", say "thank you"
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind
Don't expect a free ride from no one
Don't hold a grudge or a chip and here's why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin'
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
"I love you" ain't no pick-up line
So always stay humble and kind
Hold the door, say "please", say "thank you"
Don't steal, don't cheat, and don't lie
I know you got mountains to climb
But always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you're dreamin' come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride
But always stay humble and kind
When it's hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don't take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you're going don't forget to turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind
Gallery
Videos
Memory wall
2. Mom never left the dogs home (Roxy), October 2005.
3. Thanksgiving 2005
4. April 2006
5. August 2006, Deer Meadows
6. July 2010, Seattle Mariners game
7. October 2011, Oregon Coast
Adam was 3yrs old and James was only one, but as they grew older they became good buds. Erica came along in 1986 and I have a photo of me holding her, as a newborn, in the hospital.
Judi and I both became very involved in the Children’s Home Society organization. We had a great time helping put together a fundraising fashion show luncheon for them. After spending hours in the kitchen cooking, and we even modeled a fashion or two. Adam and James got to go down the runway, as well, in some great children’s clothes.
We loved spending time together and could always make each other laugh. Richard and I moved away from Yreka in 1988, but Judi and I never stopped being close friends. When we moved to Mt. Shasta in January of 1989, it was an easy visit for the two of us. We even got to continue our favorite jaunts and shopping sprees to Ashland and Medford.
Then in 1993 Richard and I took our kids and moved overseas to teach at international schools. One might think that by moving so far away we would have lost touch, but not so. Every summer that we came back to the US to visit, I always made sure that I spent some of that time with Judi.
In 1998, when we were living in Bolivia, Judi and James had plans to come and visit us. I was so excited to be able to share our lives with them, when I heard from Judi that they wouldn’t be making it, after all, because she had fallen sick and they weren’t sure what was going on with her. That was the beginning of her illness.
In 2013 we moved back to California. In 2018, we made the trip to Bend, Oregon to celebrate, with Judi, the marriage of Erica and Brett.
Unfortunately, that was the last time we were able to get to Bend. However, Judi and I made sure to talk to each other, by phone, about every 6 weeks or so. I cherished those calls. We always had plenty of belly laughs, which were good for both of our souls.
There are so many memories I could share, and I am sure I have probably left out some pretty important ones. All I can say is that I loved Judi so very much.
I can’t even fathom how much I am going to miss her. She will always hold a big place in my heart.
Zichrona Livrakha…May her memory be a blessing ❤️
These are the captions for my photos.
1. Adam and James 1984
2. Adam and James - Judi and I spent plenty of time at their little league games ⚾️
3. Judi as a gorgeous flapper
4. I believe Judi called herself Doris in this get-up. So hysterical…she even put stuffing in the front of her pants to give her a poochy stomach!
5. Judi with Ellana 1990
6. Me and Judi. August 1997
7. Me and Judi 2005
8. Ellana, Me, Judi and Erica around 2007
9. Erica’s Wedding 2018
10. I think this was our last visit to Yreka, before the move to Bend…Summer of 2019
1. Pregnant with James (1982)
2. Thanksgiving (2006)
3. Erica's Graduation from Pacific Univ (2009)
4. With Erica (2011)
5. Thanksgiving (2012)
6. Roxy and her elves (2012)
7. With Roxy, Ruby, and Bubba (2013)
8. Thanksgiving Dinner Prep (2013)
9. Mom and her hounds (2013)
10. Mom and Dad (2013)
11. Summer Pie, in Sacramento (2017)
12. Railroad Park, Dunsmuir (2019)
13. End of Deer Meadow Road (2019)
14. Thanksgiving Pie in Bend (2020)
1. At the wedding of Josh and Cynthia Deignan (2007)
2. Thanksgiving, including Grandfather Jim (2007)
3. In the kitchen (2013)
4. With Roxy and Ruby (2013)
5. At Airport to (or from) Alaska (2014)
6. Tending to strawberries (2019)
7. With Erica at Deer Meadow (2019)
Years later, I would play their songs for her, and other classics, and even toward the end, when her memory was going, she could always hum along and sing their songs and know every word. "Beginnings" always makes me think of Mom. She loved it. And the opening words are exactly how I feel:
When I'm with you,
it doesn't matter where we are,
or what we're doing.
I'm with you, that's all that matters.
Time passes much too quickly,
when we're together laughing.
Chicago - Beginnings
www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBDtqz6cgko
It's only the beginning, Mom.
Nickelback - If Today Was Your Last Day
www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrXIQQ8PeRs
Mom liked to say, "life is not a dress rehearsal." The words from the song always seemed to embody Mom's attitude:
If today was your last day, would you make your mark, by mending a broken heart? You know it's never too late to shoot for the stars, regardless of who you are. So do whatever it takes, because you can't rewind a moment in this life. Let nothing stand in your way, cause the hands of time are never on your side.
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