Obituary of Mary Jane Drake

Oneida-Mary Jane Drake of Middle Road passed away peacefully early Wednesday evening December 3, 2025 surrounded by the love and devotion of her family in the Oneida Extended Care Facility at the age of 85. She was born on June 27, 1940 in Syracuse, New York a daughter of the Late Arthur B. and Virginia E. (Tanner) Gray and was a graduate of Onondaga Central School and attended Mohawk Valley Community College, receiving a degree in Commercial Arts. On May 25, 1963 Mary Jane and Harry B. Drake were united in marriage in Bridgeport, New York and shared that loving vow of over sixty-two years together. Known as Miss. Drake to many, Mary Jane loved to nurture children and was a babysitter, Sunday School Teacher, 4-H leader, and retired as a Teaching Assistant form Stockbridge Valley Central School in 2006. She was a devoted longtime member of Christ Methodist Church of Sherrill. Mary Jane had a love for adventure, the arts, music (her record collection, and waking her grandchildren by playing marching music) games (never let you win) and dancing with Harry. Surviving is her beloved husband Harry B. Drake of Oneida, three children and their spouses, Kelly (Dan) Jacobs of Munnsville, Susan (Mark) Sebeck of Morris and Steven (Krista) Drake of Sherrill, five adored grandchildren, Nicholas Sebeck, Alicia Sebeck, Joshua (Mikaela) Jacobs, Jarret Jacobs and Margaret Drake. Mary Jane was predeceased by her sister Norma L. Gray. Family and friends are invited to call on Tuesday, December 9, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home, 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY. The family will greet friends at 10:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service that will be held on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Christ Methodist Church, 417 Park Street, Sherrill with Pastor Wendy Morrison officiating. Spring burial will be in Stockbridge Cemetery, Munnsville, NY. In lieu of flowers please send donations to Christ Methodist Church or the Oneida Extended Care Activities Fund, 323 Genesee Street, Oneida, NY, 13421.Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com