Emilia Bengoa Drake of Winnemucca NV passed away January 8, 2017 after an amazing life of 103 years. She was born in San Francisco CA on September 3, 1913 to Domingo and Martina (Echave) Bengoa. Mimi was an infant when she lost her mother. Her father re-married and two siblings were added to the family before he succumbed to the 1918 Influenza Pandemic. Mimi and her sister Josie were raised by her Aunt Manuela (Bengoa) and Uncle Jesus Aranguena, alongside her cousin Domingo.
Mimi married Russell Victor Drake on August 4, 1934. They raised their son Richard in many northern Nevada communities while Russell was employed by the NV Highway Department. Eventually they settled in Winnemucca, and together owned and operated the City Transfer and then Richfield Oil. Mimi went to work for Grace Wayman at Wayman’s Clothing Store, which she eventually purchased and changed to Mimi’s Dress Shoppe. Mimi worked alongside Josie in the store for many years. She dressed many ladies over decades, and took joy in helping to make her customers look and feel beautiful. She retired after almost 50 years in the same location, in order to care for Russell at home.
Mimi’s greatest joys in life were her family and taking care of others. Mimi was known for her incredible cooking. She collected recipes all week in preparation for Sunday family dinners. Rum cakes, fudge, and divinity were yearly holiday treats anticipated by many.
Mimi celebrated all of her triple-digit birthdays as a resident of Harmony Manor. She appreciated Dr Robbie Grant and the entire staff who cared for her so lovingly, as well as friends and family who sent cards and came to visit. Thank you all so much!!! Special thanks to Mary Lou Minor, Jean McCoy and Tami Vetter for your love and dedication to Mimi from early in your lives to the end of hers.
Mimi was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Russell, her siblings Josephine Bankofier, Joe deArrieta and Dominica Prida, cousin Domingo Aranguena, nephew Donald Bankofier and niece Karen Kerns.
Mimi is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Diana Drake, grandchildren Annie Drake (Jim Kracaw), Susie (Michael) Shurtz, Cheri (Troy) Haggard, and Rich (Stephanie) Drake, 10 great grandchildren who were her heart’s delight: Kadin (Melanie) Haggard, Aubri Haggard, Adriana Shurtz, Emma Kracaw, Kyle Shurtz, Will Kracaw, Max Shurtz, Reece, Diego and Emilia Drake; and five generations of nieces, nephews and extended family.
True to Mimi’s character, final arrangements were planned long ago and did not include any formal services. The family requests anyone wishing to donate in Mimi’s memory to choose your favorite charity, or consider The Boys & Girls Club (PO Box 2274, 89446), St Paul’s Catholic Church (350 Melarkey St, 89445), or Harmony Manor (SNF Memorial Fund, in care of HGH ATTN: Eddie Davis-Controller, 118 E Haskell St, 89445), all in Winnemucca.
