Obituary of Martha (Mavis) Whittley DRAKE

January 12, 1928 – Belfast, Northern Ireland
April 12, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

The world lost a kind soul on Monday, and we a wonderful mother, grandmother, aunt and friend. Mavis breathed her last breath on April 12, 2021, after 93 years well lived. 

Born Martha Whittley Erskine to Jean and James Erskine, she grew up outside Belfast with her siblings, James (Jim) and Henrietta (Harry) on a family farm and public house. She caught the eye of her brother’s handsome best friend Bill Drake – a capped soccer player no less - and they were married in 1951. Soon after, they embarked on the adventure of a lifetime and immigrated to Canada in 1953, landing in Montreal with a gaggle of Irish friends and family, a strong work ethic, and a penchant for fun. They welcomed Sharon in 1955 and Susan in 1959. They loved Montreal and had the world by the tail. When Bill was transferred to Calgary in 1964, they always thought they’d return, but Alberta stole their hearts and this is where they really set down roots.  Mavis made great friends, joined clubs, learned to make pastry, and vacuumed a lot. She loved to work in her yard – an Irish thing – and together with Bill, created a beautiful vegetable and flower garden in their family home in Palliser which brought her joy for over 45 years. She loved to entertain, and became the undisputed queen of prime rib dinners. Always competitive, she and brother Jim would compete in the kitchen, and the family would happily oblige them, over and over again. She took care of everyone – Bill, her mother, her kids, their friends, and an endless assortment of pets, most of them Sharon’s. As the girls grew older, Mavis and Bill bought a trailer in Windermere and became part of the Shadybrook crowd. Mavis would spend all of her summers there, golfing at Windermere Valley, gardening and enjoying a cocktail or two with friends. Sadly, Bill died too soon, leaving Mavis a widow at 62. Faced with being alone, she got busy and lived another remarkable 31 years. She travelled with friends, cruising to Alaska, China, Hong Kong and Australia. She visited Florida, California and Hawaii with her dear friend Rae Jones, vacationed in Indio and Scottsdale with Sharon and Susan, and returned to the UK twice to reconnect with family and old friends. She joined a gym and golfed weekly with the PEGG Wives Club (as it was then known) at Douglasdale until well into her 80s. She volunteered with UNICEF, and later Meals on Wheels. Throughout, she maintained her friendships, her garden and her joy for life.

Mavis suffered from dementia in her later years, and while the disease robbed her of many things, she remained true to her creed and gifted everyone with her smile and gentle nature to the very end.  Grieving her loss are daughters, Sharon and husband Cameron Diggon, Sue and husband Rob MacKenzie; bonus-granddaughter Elizabeth Diggon and husband Kevan Hayes; and her many caring nieces and nephews and all of their wonderful families. We will miss her dearly.  Mavis received amazing support from a cast of caregivers and health professionals for which we are so very grateful. Special thanks to Roland Abalos of the AHS Dementia Care Team for his kindness and support.

A Private Family Service will be held Wednesday, April 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. When the world permits, we will celebrate Mavis’s life on a grander scale. Stand by, and be sure to get your vaccinations. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Mavis’ obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Food Bank to help others in our community who are most at need. 5000 11 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2Y5.

In living memory of Martha Drake, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.