Cynthia “Cindy” Ann Drake, 92, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 22, 2026.

Born on December 9, 1933, in Houston, Texas, Cindy was the daughter of the late Leroy J. Wheeler and Helen Booth (Williams) Wheeler. At just 18 years old, she became a mother for the first time, and over the next decade, she and her beloved husband, William “Bill” Eric Drake, built a family of five children during their 63 years of marriage.

Together, Cindy and Bill embraced a life of adventure and change as Bill’s career took them around the world. Over the years, Cindy made homes in 11 different houses across 3 countries and 7 states. No matter where she lived, she had a gift for creating community, welcoming friends and neighbors with warmth, laughter, and hospitality. Her daughters fondly remember the many dinner parties where they served as the “waiters,” only to be asked afterward, “Who did you meet?”—a reflection of Cindy’s genuine love for people and connection.

Fiercely independent and resilient, Cindy often managed family life while Bill traveled extensively for work. She filled her days with meaningful friendships, hobbies, and service to others. A devoted member of the Episcopal Church, she faithfully volunteered in countless ways, including visiting the sick, delivering home communion, serving on prayer teams, and helping with hospice ministries.

Cindy is survived by her children, Libby (Bob) Ordeman, John (Brenda) Drake, Carol Drake, Janet (Steve Catron) Drake, and Nancy (Tom Stechschulte) Drake; nine grandchildren; and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Drake, and her son-in-law, Tom Stechschulte.

She will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on June 27 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Alban's Episcopal Church. An additional service will be held in Hendersonville, North Carolina, later this fall, where Cindy and Bill spent 21 happy years in retirement, building cherished friendships and memories.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. James Thursday Thrift Shop.