Madison – Sandra Lee Drake, age 79, passed away on December 30, 2023, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Sandi was born on September 26, 1944, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin to parents Allen and Esther (Larson) James.

Sandi was a 1962 graduate of Madison East High School. She obtained her cosmetology license after graduating from beauty school in Milwaukee. She then followed in her mother’s footsteps and worked as a beautician for 28 years in the Madison area. At age 45, she made a career change and went to work for Dean Health Systems, Inc., retiring after 25 years.

Sandi married Garth N. Drake on May 20, 1964, in Woodstock, IL. Together, they enjoyed 61 years of marriage.

Sandi was an avid reader and loved music, especially that of her lifelong idol, Elvis Presley. She enjoyed attending dinners with her girlfriends and visiting the Wisconsin Northwoods with her family. She cherished her family. Family was the cornerstone of her life. Both Sandi and Garth devoted themselves to their children and grandchildren. In retirement, they stayed home because that was where their children were.

Sandi is survived by her three children, Deborah (James) Pankow, Jennifer (Kevin) Figy, and Michael (Shelly) Drake; four grandchildren, Ashley (Ryan) Drake, Shannon (Spencer) Drake, Paul G. A. Dekker, and Savannah Figy; four great grandchildren, Brantley, Axston, Arlynn, and Aubri; and her step-grandchildren, Alexia, Christian (Margo), Merek, Noah, Kolbe, and Caden.

Sandi is further survived by her sister-in-law Maureen Drake, her brother-in-law Douglas (Maria) Drake, and her sister-in-law Corrine James. In addition, Sandi is survived by her “sister-cousin” Kay Torgerson, and by her nieces and nephews, Julie Ann Drake, Stephen Drake, Todd Drake, and Dana Drake; and by her lifelong friend Sylvia Fillhouer.

Sandi was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her beloved brother Roger James, her brother-in-law Larry, her father-in-law Ben Drake and mother-in-law Ethel Drake, her Aunt Catherine Verley, and by her best-friend and neighbor Lona Connor.

A special thank you to Agrace Hospice, Fitchburg and Heartland Country Village, Black Earth for their care of Sandi during her illness.

Mom, we hope you have met Elvis and are dancing joyfully with Dad.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 2418 N. Sherman Ave, Madison. A visitation will be held on Saturday at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service. A private interment will be held at Highland Memory Gardens.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

2418 N. Sherman Ave.

608-249-8257

Sandra Drake

September 26, 1944 - December 30, 2023

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