Joyce P. Drake obituary

Joyce P. Drake of Belvidere went to be with the Lord on December 9

Joyce P. Drake of Belvidere went to be with the Lord on December 9,

Joyce was born in Minneapolis, Min. on Sept. 27, 1919 the daughter of Albert and Elizabeth (Bouck) Turrittin. She graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business, and Northern Illinois University where she received a Masters in Accounting. On Aug. 8, 1942 Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Douglas A. Drake in Minneapolis, Min. They subsequently set up their home in Chicago, and in 1950 moved to Belvidere, where Joyce raised four sons, continued her accounting consulting practice and assisted Doug in opening his dental practice. She became an active member of the community and served on the Boone County Tax Appeals Board of Review for a number of years.

Joyce was an active member of the Belvidere Panhellenic Society, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Highland Hospital Auxiliary. For many years she pursued a keen interest in genealogy. She was an avid card player, a fierce competitor in her many bridge groups and a loyal Cubs fan.

Joyce and Doug traveled extensively and often visited friends around the world. They built a beautiful cabin on Madeline Island in northern Wisconsin and enjoyed it with their family and friends for more than 30 years. Joyce and Doug were devoted to each other and truly in love for their remarkable 75 years of marriage.

Joyce deeply loved her family. She was proud of her four sons and daughters-in-law: Dr. Douglas Drake (Kathe, JD) of Edina, Min., Dr. Dale Drake (Dr. Elaine) of Belvidere, Daryl, AIA (Dr. June) of Glen Ellyn, and Daniel, JD (Dr. Anita) of Rochester, NY. She enjoyed spending time with her 9 grandchildren: Julia (Chad) Jurgensen, Heather (Tyler) Larsen, Christa (Chad) Jenkins, Lindsay Drake, Adam Drake, Andrew (Hallie) Drake, Daryl Drake, Helena (Rob) Kiepura, and Diana (Jim) Valenti. Joyce was also blessed with 13 great- grandchildren: Ben, Christian, Noah and Lydia Jurgensen; Madelyn Larsen; Isaac, Jalen, Micah and Chelsea Jenkins, James Drake, Danny and Anastasia Kiepura, and Bianca Valenti. Joyce was preceded in passing by her husband Dr. Douglas Drake, her brother Dr. Hugh Turritin, and sister Phyllis Newkirk.

A private family service will take place at a later date. Memorials to Belvidere Panhellenic Scholarship Fund.