Patricia Anne Drake, 73, passed away Sept. 13, 2003, at her home in Langley with her loving family at her bedside.

She was born Feb. 24, 1930, in Fargo, N.D. She attended high school in Borup, Minn., graduating in 1948. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn., in 1951, and taught at Lake Benton High School, Minn., for several years beginning in 1952.

In 1954 she married Robert R. Drake. Both of them were educators, with Pat teaching in Drake, N.D. She later resided in Wyndmere, N.D., Redfield, S.D., and Lewiston, Idaho, as she began raising her children. The family moved to Snoqualmie in 1968, where her husband was principal of Snoqualmie Middle School.

In Snoqualmie, she indulged her long-standing literary passion by taking a librarian position at Tolt High School in Carnation, and gained yet another passion through an appointment placing her in charge of the theatre department. Additionally, she learned the art of handicapping horses, commuting joyously to and from Longacres Race Track, Seattle, in a bright yellow Barracuda fastback. A voracious reader and lifelong lover of books, she owned and operated Park Street Books from her home in Snoqualmie.

She and her husband, Bob, moved to Whidbey Island in 1985. Together they rebuilt the historic Phil Simon house on Wharf Street in Langley, which they operated as Drake’s Landing, Rooms to Let, until his death in August 2000.

She cherished the unique sense of community she found in Langley, treasuring the many friendships and acquaintances gathered over the years. She reveled in lively conversation concerning everything from politics to books and favorite authors. She was an avid listener to the life stories and anecdotes of others. She was known for her wonderful generosity of spirit and her support of the local business community. Her genuine concern for others was demonstrated by the warmth, kindness and hospitality she extended to everyone.

She is survived by two daughters, Christina, and her husband, Greg, and Stephanie and her partner, Denise; and granddaughters Lia Rose and Nora Zi; and a wide circle of friends and extended family.

Memorial service information will be announced later.