Susan L. Drake, 58

After a hard-fought battle with cancer, Susan Drake passed away on March 14, 2015. She fought bravely with much discomfort and pain, but kept it to herself - she was a real trooper and inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She hung on with stubborn determination to enjoy her garden and berries this past summer, as well as Kokanee fishing, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the birth of her first grandchild on Jan. 10 of this year.

Susan was born Nov. 16, 1956, in Lewiston, Idaho, to Homer and MaryAnn Roe. They made their way to Coeur d'Alene, and Susan lived on and off in the local area. She held numerous jobs throughout the years at different businesses such as the Iron Horse and, at the time of her diagnosis, Piggies Mini Mart. She tried to work as long as she could, but her disease and treatment took its toll quickly and she had to retire.

In June of 2002 she met her future husband, Dana Drake, of Coeur d'Alene through a mutual friend. They were married September of 2002, and purchased a home together that she loved.

Susan enjoyed camping, gardening, fishing (Queen Kokanee) and most of all, cooking. Her cats, Truman and Sh**head, were a huge part of her life. Her way with animals was remarkable - they were all drawn to her - from a stray dog in the neighborhood to the wild deer in our backyard.

Susan is survived by her husband, Dana; mother MaryAnn Roe; sister Sandy Roe and husband Garland; daughter Sharon Lind and husband Joe; daughter Shannon Ulbredtch, husband John and baby Jasper; as well as Truman and Sh**head.

She will be greatly missed by all, but her suffering is over. She's in a better place with her father Homer and nephew Wayne.

I know she appreciated all the positive thoughts and the caring people out there who kept her in their prayers. Thank you to you all. Special thank you to Northwest Oncology, Kootenai Health, Hospice of North Idaho, and the Coeur d'Alene Fire Department. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful services in our area.

At Susan's request there will be no funeral. A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later date.

If one is inclined, a donation in Susan's memory to Hospice of North Idaho or the Kootenai Humane Society would be much appreciated.

English Funeral Chapel is handling arrangements. Please visit Sue's online memorial at www.englishfuneralchapel.com. God bless you Susan!