On Saturday, March 9, 2024, our loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, Jane Marie Drake, was greeted into the gates of heaven by her lord and savior.
The daughter of the late Pasquale and Jennie (Vacarina) Lapriore, she was born on July 23, 1936, in Port Jervis, New York. She was married to Jack Drake, who preceded her in death on February 28, 2002.
Together, Jane and Jack had three beautiful daughters.
Jane dedicated over 20 years of her life working as a waitress at the Evergreen Restaurant for the Moglia family. Her commitment to her job was evident in the relationships she built. In addition to her work at the restaurant, Jane served as the tax collector for Matamoras Borough.
One of Jane’s greatest accomplishments was her role as president of the Veterans Memorial Park and Recreation Center. She was a driving force behind the success of the organization and was passionate about providing resources to educate the community on the sacrifice made by those who served this country.
Jane’s involvement in the community extended beyond her work with the Veterans Memorial Park. She was a dedicated member of the Matamoras Recreational Committee, the Keystone Club, and a devout parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church. Jane’s love for educating young minds was reflected in her roles as a swimming instructor for the American Red Cross, a Junior Bowling League coach, and a leader in the local girl scouts troop.
Birthdays, weddings, parties, you name it, Jane was famous for gifting her homemade “Drakes cakes and cupcakes,” any chance she could get.
Jane will be remembered for her kind heart, her selfless dedication to others, and her unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She will be deeply missed by all the lives she touched.
Left to cherish her memory are her daughters Michele O’Donnell and her husband Kevin and Kelly Swanson and her husband Carl; sister Beverly Walker and her husband Ronald; grandchildren Billy, Danielle, and Kevin; and great-grandchildren Lukas, Jack, Tommy, Lydia and Joanie.
Jane was predeceased by her daughter Cathy Ann VanHorn; siblings Tony Lapriore, Sandy Lapriore, Mike Lapriore, Rocky Lapriore and Jimmy Lapriore; and granddaughter Jessica Lynn O’Donnell.
Visitation: Wednesday, March 13, 2024, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 West Harford Street, Milford, Pennsylvania.
Mass of Christian burial: Thursday, March 14, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Church, 307 Avenue F, Matamoras, Pennsylvania 18336, with Rev. Joseph Manarchuck officiating.
Burial: at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Port Jervis, New York.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in honor of Jane to the Veterans Memorial Park and Recreation Center, P.O. Box 303, Matamoras, Pennsylvania 18336.
Arrangements were entrusted to the Stroyan Funeral Home, 405 W. Harford Street, Milford, Pennsylvania 18337 (stroyanfuneralhome.com).