Geraldine "Javamama" Drake

Geraldine arrived on the scene in Oberlin, OH in 1949. Always a precocious and headstrong child, she once bit a dog that tried to bite her. Never did have any patience for injustice. She trained as a dancer at a young age and was pretty darned good at it, too. Throughout her life she thought and felt in terms of rhythm and dance. Later on, surrounded by conservatory students she developed a strong love for music and theatre, performing in Oberlin and at summer stock on Cape Cod. She moved to Boston not long after high school where she lived and worked for many years and also met her future husband there, as her best friend was his sister. She traveled the country some, but her favorite place in the world was her uncle’s farm in Ontario. Her dream destination was Scotland. In 1984 she finally married the younger, suave William Drake, having been good friends for some 8 years. They traveled to Oregon to do so and stayed for a year. Returning to Ohio, they then begat 2 extraordinary offspring, daughter Starlie and son Cheyenne, and tended a whirlwind family life full of adventure and romance. Being the wife of a musician is never dull. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she was always a easy confidant and counsellor to any and all that needed it. This dovetailed with her employment as a counsellor’s assistant at a drug and alcohol treatment center. It was always said of her that she was there when the first hug was given. Many now fondly remember her warmth and care and ready ear.