Donna Marie Drake, 85, of Portland, ME passed on December 24, 2025. She was born July 01, 1940, in Quincy, MA, the daughter of John Donald Crotty and Helen Crotty (Swanson).

Donna graduated from Archbishop Williams High School and Emmanuel College with a Bachelor’s in English. She taught in Biddeford, ME and in the Portland public schools. She was a wise, caring, and vivacious woman that her students, family, and friends could always turn to for advice and support. She was married to Francis “Jim” Drake for 28 years. They raised a wonderful family and shared lots of fun adventures. Donna was a passionate gardener who loved tending her many blossoms. She tracked the warmest and sunniest weather all over the country and loved to talk about it. Hearing tales of her traveling adventures with friends and family brought smiles and laughter to us all. Relaxing and walking the beaches of the world and here in Maine under the warm sun brought her endless joy and a large collection of seashells. Donna loved sports live and on TV. The Boston Celtics and New England Patriots have lost their biggest fan!

Surviving are her daughters, Julie Drake and husband William Crone of Englewood, FL; Nancy (Drake) Kesler and husband Branko of Andover, MA; their four adored grandchildren, Benjamin, Bradley, Andrew, and Kevin.

The family thanks the staff of New England Cancer Specialists - Rock Row for the loving care that Donna received during and after her treatment. The family is also grateful for Hospice of Southern Maine for responding with urgency over the weekend and holiday to provide the critical support she needed. Additionally, the family would like to thank the personnel of St. Pius Church for their spiritual care.

A Catholic mass will be held at St. Pius X Church on January 14, 2026, at 11 AM located on 492 Ocean Ave, Portland, ME 04103. The service will be followed by a reception at Bruno's Restaurant and Tavern, located on 33 Allen Ave, Portland, ME 04103. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital,The Salvation Army, or the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.