Cynthia (Cyndi) Drake (1957–2024)

Cynthia (Cyndi) Drake, 67, passed away on November 29, 2024, surrounded by her family after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. Born in May 1957 in Wellesley, MA, Cyndi was the third of four sibs—Herrick Jr, Priscilla, and Charles—born to Judith and Herrick Drake. Growing up, her family moved between Winnetka, IL, Sherborn, MA and Avon, CT due to her father's career. Despite the moves, she always had a constant in Rockport, MA, where she spent summers at her grandfather's house. The town of Rockport remained a place close to her heart throughout her life.

Cyndi's early years are somewhat of an enigma. After high school, she postponed college to get certified in bookkeeping and worked for a catering company called Soiree (her version of what kids might call a "gap year"). By her late 20s, Cyndi decided to pursue her passion for literature, earning a degree in English Literature from Yale University. Reading was a lifelong passion—she was known to pack 6-8 books for every vacation, always making sure her suitcase was a struggle to carry up the stairs. In her early thirties, Cyndi continued her education with master's degrees in business and information technology from Boston University. Upon graduating from BU, she entered the professional world landing a position with Andersen Consulting, a small firm that would later become the global giant Accenture.

It was during this period that an act of serendipity (courtesy of a mutual friend) led her to meeting the love of her life, Jeff, during a setup at Giacomo's in Boston's North End. Despite the lack of a reservation and a long line, the evening turned into something extraordinary. Cyndi and Jeff were married in 1994 in Rockport and their daughter Morgan was born in 1997.

Cyndi's love for food became legendary—something that became instilled in the family. She was an avid cook who took immense pride in preparing meals for those she loved. Even in her later years when illness robbed her of the ability to taste, smell, or swallow, her culinary instincts remained sharp. Food to Cyndi and all the people she cooked for, was not just to be eaten, but to be savored. It was a core ingredient in the fabric of her family and friends that bound them together with love, wine, conversation, and laughter.

Cyndi's philosophy was simple but powerful: "You don't just complain, you go do something about it." This mindset fueled her community involvement after her retirement, especially through her work with the local food pantry. Her commitment to service continued long after her professional career ended, as she poured herself into making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. An old proverb says, "If you want anything done, ask a busy person." Cyndi embodied this completely—no task was too small or too large for her. Her energy, intellect, and boundless enthusiasm made her the person people turned to for help, guidance, and support.

Cancer became her final project, and she approached it as she did everything else - fierce resolve and meticulous attention to detail. Despite that she quietly admitted, "I cannot fix this." From our family to those who had the pleasure of knowing her, Cyndi's legacy is one of love, commitment and community. Her memory will live on in the countless lives she touched—through her family, her friends, her colleagues, and anyone who had the privilege of sharing a meal, a glass of wine, a moment, or an adventure with her.

A visitation will be held on Monday December 2nd from 4-7 PM at the Bell O'Dea Funeral home in Brookline. The memorial service for Cynthia Drake will take place at the First Parish Church in Brookline on Saturday January 25th at 2 PM with a reception at the church from 3-5 PM
382 Walnut St Brookline, lots of parking on side streets

Donations can be made to the Brookline Community Foundation"

https://brooklinecommunity.org/funds-giving/