Susan Braley Drake, 84, of Mattapoisett, Massachusetts and Largo, Florida, passed away peacefully on July 10, 2025, following a courageous and tumultuous battle with heart disease.
Born on July 27, 1940, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Susan was the daughter of Helen F. Patasin (Braley) and Warren G. Pierce. She was a proud graduate of Fairhaven High School and went on to earn her RN degree from Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing, beginning a lifelong career devoted to the care and well-being of others.
In 1961, Susan married the love of her life, Bradley “Stet” Drake. Together they shared 64 extraordinary years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and unwavering companionship.
Sue dedicated her professional life to community health nursing, with a special focus on elder care. She served both the town of Mattapoisett and the state of Massachusetts through her work with Coastline Elderly Services. Her compassion and commitment touched the lives of many and left a lasting impact on the communities she served.
Above all else, Sue cherished her family and friends. She found great joy in being surrounded by loved ones and was the heart of her family—always supportive, deeply kind, and endlessly generous.
She is survived by her beloved husband, Bradley “Stet” Drake; her devoted daughters, Deborah Raposo (Joseph) and Pamela Besse (Kevin); her grandchildren, Michael Raposo (Crystalyn), Kelly Puryear (Preston), Christopher Besse (Sara), and Matthew Besse (Hana); and seven adored great-grandchildren: Kinsley Raposo, Pierce, Jackson and Reese Puryear, Madeline and Kevin Besse, and Zoey Besse.
A graveside service will be held at Riverside Cemetery in Fairhaven, Massachusetts on September 27th, 2025 at 2:00 pm. All who knew and loved her are welcome to attend and share in the remembrance of a life beautifully lived.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
