Mrs. Elinor M. (Silveira) Drake, a lifelong resident of Medford and beloved wife of James C. Drake, passed away at her new home in Manchester New Hampshire on Friday evening, November 13, 2015. She was 91 years old.
Born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on April 6, 1924, she was the beloved daughter of the late Joseph E. and Mary (Rose) Silveira. She was also predeceased by her late brothers, John and Edward Silveira, and her sister, Elsie Anselmo. Mrs. Drake was a graduate of Medford High School, class of 1942. She married James in 1953 and for many years was employed as Head Teller for the Telephone Workers Credit Union until her retirement in 1994. Following her retirement she was employed part-time as a sales associate for Filene’s and then Macy’s until 2012.
Besides being a hardworking woman, Elinor also enjoyed traveling with her beloved husband to Greece, Cancun, Mexico, Las Vegas, Niagara Falls and celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Hawaii.
She had an infectious sense of humor and huge heart. She sewed countless beautiful pieces; from clothing to drapes, enjoyed playing cards with her many friends and family, and was an avid reader of romance novels and books; such as Princess Diana, whom she adored. She took great pride in maintaining her beautiful home in Medford that she lived in since 1936, which was full of her extensive butterfly collection. She was affectionally known as the “Butterfly Lady.” She would love sitting on the front porch watching the goings-on in the neighborhood, as well as the birds, rabbits, and butterflies. This home was not only where she grew up, but where she welcomed and hosted so many family celebrations. Their house was a second home to many.
Above all, Elinor was a very devoted and loving wife and aunt. She will be dearly missed. Besides her husband of 62 years, she is survived by many nieces and nephews, whom she loved as if they were her own…
Her funeral service will be celebrated in the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 11:30 AM. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2915, from 4 to 8 PM. Interment will be held in Oak Grove Cemetery in Medford. In lieu of flowers, donations in Elinor's memory may be made to the Livestrong Foundation, 2201 E. 6th Street, Austin, TX 78702 or to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 60 E. 56th Street, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10022. For additional information, please visit, www.magliozzifuneralhome.com.