Madalyn was born on Tuesday, October 24, 1922 in Salem, Ohio, a
daughter to the late Charles H. and Muriel M. Brown. She was raised in Bingham Center until she
fell in love with the love of her life and moved to Shinglehouse.
Madalyn was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Harold
E. “Ez” Drake; two sons, Buck Drake and Harold “Cap” Drake II; her grandchild,
Melissa Drake; two brothers; and three sisters.
Madalyn is survived by two daughters, Kay K. Wagner and Mindy R.
(John) Gressley of Shinglehouse; a son, Glenn C. (Mary Ann) Drake of
Shinglehouse; a daughter-in-law, Carolyn (Dave) Gustin of Shinglehouse; her
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild; family; and
friends.
After falling in love at the barn dances and marrying Ez, Madalyn
raised their children on the family farm.
She instilled in them the importance of family and a hard days
work. Her actions spoke volumes as she
worked for sunup to sundown still finding time to be a doting mother.
Later in life, she found enjoyment in driving school bus on the
back roads of Shinglehouse. She spent
hours crafting beautiful quilts and crocheted blankets. In the summer, she could often be found
tending to the vegetable garden or picking the John Quills and lilacs. She was the best of all time kickball pitcher
and divided up raviolis equally with care.
Many nights into early mornings were spent pulling the slots awaiting
the infamous jackpot at the casino.
Madalyn’s legacy lies within the roots of the family she raised,
the strength she showed, and the love she gave unconditionally.
She will be missed every day.
A private family memorial will be held. Burial will be in Maple Grove Cemetery next
to her husband.
Flowers are gratefully declined.
Memorials in Madalyn’s name may be made to the Shinglehouse Volunteer
Ambulance Association, PO Box 98, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.
Madalyn’s family has entrusted her care to Kevin J. Dusenbury,
funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.
To express condolences or share a fond memory of Madalyn, please visit www.virgillhowardfunerahome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.