ETHEL SHAW DRAKE

BAR HARBOR – Ethel Shaw Drake, 101, entered into eternal life Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008. She was born April 30, 1907, in Philadelphia, the daughter of John and Martha (Martin) Shaw. Having decided on a career in nursing, Ethel trained at Saint Christopher’s Hospital for Children, Philadelphia. She became a registered nurse and continued her career as night supervisor, both at Saint Christopher’s and Philadelphia General Hospital. It was at Saint Christopher’s that she met A. H. Boyer Drake, M.D. She soon chose him as her lifemate and after their marriage, took over the supervision of his medical practice in pediatrics. After her husband’s death in 1957, she spent a few more years in Philadelphia and then moved to Bar Harbor, to be near her son, Jack. She became involved in the activities of Bar Harbor Congregational Church and soon was an officer in their afternoon auxiliary. Always willing to take the reins of a project, Ethel became the site manager for Meals for Me and guided that program for many years. She was also active in Bar Harbor Senior Citizens Club. In her last years, Ethel became a resident at Sonogee Rehabilitation and Living Center. She enjoyed her days there and was very well cared for by their kind and loving staff. Ethel is survived by her son, Jack and his wife, Betsy; five grandchildren, John Roger Drake and his wife, Tammy, of Topsham, Maureen Elizabeth Largay and her husband, Charles, of Old Orchard Beach, Elizabeth Thompson and her husband, Randy, of Houlton, Susan Elizabeth Davis and her husband, Michael, of Auburn, and Robert Alan Drake Jr. of Philadelphia. She is also survived by six great-grandchildren, Andrew Thompson, Whitney Thompson Callnan, Stephen Drake, Greta Drake, Nicholas Davis and Caleb Davis. She is further survived by a devoted niece, Jane Shaw Frank and her husband, Walter, of Philadelphia. Ethel was predeceased by her husband, Boyer; and her son, Robert Alan. Memorial services will be held later at a date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to make a gift in Ethel’s memory may do so to Bar Harbor Congregational Church, Mount Desert Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Condolences may be expressed at www.jordanfernald.com.