Margaret 'Joann' Drasky, 73

Margaret "Joann" Drasky, 73, of Coeur d'Alene, passed peacefully into our Lord's presence surrounded with the love of her family at Kootenai Health's Palliative and Supportive Care Unit in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho on Jan. 10, 2015.

Joann was born in Kearney, Neb. on Feb. 26, 1941, to Thomas and Eldred "Bertie" (Murphy) Gannon. Joann was raised in North Platte, Neb., where Tom was a railroad fireman and retired as an engineer. Bertie was employed at the local cinema and later at Montgomery Ward where she retired.

Joann had early memories of the North Platte Canteen located within the Union Pacific railyards. The Canteen was a makeshift city of tents, booths, wagons, etc., staffed continuously by volunteers with the express purpose of providing all forms of sustenance to U.S. servicemen and women who traveled through North Platte throughout World War II from Dec. 25, 1941, until April 1, 1946. The rest of Joann's childhood was filled with fond memories of her brothers, the cinema and a world of wonderful trains.

Joann graduated North Platte High School in 1959. She attended and graduated from bookkeeping school in Denver, Colo. while employed as a soda jerk. Joann briefly worked in bookkeeping before marrying Ronald Elliott Drasky, also of North Platte, in 1960. Joann and Ron relocated to Kootenai County in 1963 along with the first three of five children. The family eventually moved to Wallace in 1973.

In Wallace, Joann re-entered the work force in the late 1970s, initially employed by the Cantamesa family at Excel Foods. This was followed by Dr. and Colleen Hibbard, and finally Coeur d'Alene Mines Corp., where she greatly enjoyed being a part of the emergence of "Coeur" as a top silver producer in the world under the guidance of Justin L. Rice as his assistant. Upon leaving Coeur, Joann enjoyed another rewarding career working for Grannis Petroleum and Lynette Strand for many years until the very day her health failed; upon which she retired.

Joann enjoyed her entire working career and the many co-workers and friends she made throughout her life. Joann had a unmatched sense of humor and maintained it to the very end of her life.

She was preceded in death by her nephew, Howard. Joann is survived by her children Jodi, Christine, Ron, Jay, and Stacey - all of Coeur d'Alene; grandchildren Kaliegh, Jesse, Joe, Bo, Alex, Haylen, Dace, and Cameron; great-grandchildren Neva, Taylor, Maddox, and Kaiden. Joann is also survived by her older brother and sister-in-law, Jack "Curley" and Billimarie Gannon, a "Real Cowboy" and a true "Southern Lady" of Houston, Texas, and their children Michael, Margolo, Patty, John, Robert, and James. Additionally, she is survived by her nieces and nephews Bobby, Randy, Megan, Lou Ann, and Cathy Gannon, Stan and Craig Drasky.

Joann possessed an immeasurable love for her family, all of whom were blessed to know her.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made directly to either the Good Samaritan Rehabilitation program at the Altar Church (Pastor Tim) in Coeur d'Alene, St. Pius X Catholic Church of Coeur d'Alene, or to Cross Catholic Outreach @crosscatholic.org; or to any charity or person in need of your choosing.

Joann will be cremated at English Funeral Chapel in Coeur d'Alene. At Joann's request, there will be no services held, but her life is celebrated by her family.