It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Karen Drake, of Redford, who peacefully departed her earthly journey early Thanksgiving morning at the young age of 67, following a recent brain cancer diagnosis. Karen was born on May 31, 1956, to the late Richard and Dorothy (Novak) Micnerski, in Evergreen Park, IL. Her life was a testament to love, creativity, and an unwavering devotion to family.

Born into a family marked by change, Karen's resilience and warmth shone brightly. Her parents divorced when she was young, and she was lovingly raised by her mother and her devoted step-father, Shaw Morrison, from the age of 10. They instilled in her the values of love, perseverance, and the importance of family.  While serving her country in the US Army and stationed in Germany, she married David Drake on September 24, 1976, and together they enjoyed over 47 years of a wonderful marriage.

Karen was a woman of immense talent and creativity. She found her true joy in crafting, with a special fondness for creating angel ornaments, Santa Clauses, and all things Christmas themed. She had the remarkable ability to make Christmas an enchanting time for her family, and her favorite movie, "A Christmas Story," served as a testament to her deep love for the holiday. In a touching surprise, her family once took her to visit the set of the movie in Cleveland, a cherished memory for them all.

Karen's passions extended beyond the realm of crafting. She had a profound appreciation for music and the arts, with her most treasured experiences being the concerts she attended. Her heart was captured by the band Linkin Park, the Trans Siberian Orchestra, and the Rockettes Christmas Spectacular at the Fox. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and she shared her love for these experiences with those she held dear.

Yet, what defined Karen the most was her kindness, compassion, and tenderness. She adored spending time with her grandchildren and made each moment magical. Her care extended to her own children, as she handcrafted their Halloween costumes and meticulously themed birthday parties, down to the goodie bags she prepared for their guests. Her home in Redford was a haven of warmth and comfort, with every decoration carefully placed to create a loving and relaxing environment. The effort she put forth for her family was nothing short of extraordinary.

Above all, Karen's love knew no bounds. She had a deep and abiding love for her family, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. Her love extended to her faith in God, providing her strength and comfort during her illness. She was also an advocate for animals, especially her rescue dog, Bella, who was a cherished companion.

Karen faced not only her terminal illness but also the sudden and unexpected loss of her beloved husband of 47 years, David, on September 8. Their love was a testament to commitment and devotion, and his absence weighed heavily on her heart. Through these challenges, her faith was a beacon of hope and strength.

Karen's legacy is one of love, creativity, and devotion to family. She touched the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her and will be deeply missed. Her memory will live on in the hearts of her family, and her enduring love will be a source of inspiration for generations to come.

Karen is survived by her devoted children, Sheila (Ryan) Larkins and David (Jennifer) Drake; 3 cherished grandchildren, Paige, Amber and Aiden Drake; and her sister, Mara Donathan.

Family and friends may gather for visitation at Heeney-Sundquist on Friday, December 1, from 2-8 pm.

Karen's funeral ceremony, including military funeral honors, is planned to take place during the visiting hours at 4 pm.

Karen and David's interment will take place concurrently at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly.

In honor of Karen's memory, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the ASPCA, as a testament to her love for animals.

Kindly keep Karen and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.