The Honorable Grace L. Drake, a longtime resident of Solon, was an accomplished photographer, a wife and mother, and a politician. An avid Republican, she was someone who embraced the warmth, wit and compassion that crossed party lines, her colleagues said.
The 11th woman to serve in the Ohio Senate was known as a people person, trusted adviser, mentor and friend.
Mrs. Drake was born May 25, 1926, in New London, Connecticut and died Dec. 30. She was 94. She had lived on Briardale Drive in the Briar Hill subdivision in Solon since 1962.
âThe definition of âgraceâ in the dictionary is poise, elegance, forgiveness and courteous good will,â said former Republican State Rep. Marlene Anielski of the Sixth District. âHow perfect a definition of Sen. Drake,â the longtime friend said.