Nicole Kristin Drake

Nicole Kristin Drake
1974 - 2017
 
Nicole Kristin Drake passed away at age 43 on August 26, 2017, in Boise, Idaho, due to complications from lung disease. Handicapped from birth by a congenital bone disease (osteogenesis imperfecta) and stricken with multiple sclerosis as an adult, Nicole’s spirit and courage in the face of adversity was an inspiration to all who knew her.
 
Nicole was born in Boise on April 23, 1974, and lived her entire life in Boise and Twin Falls, Idaho. She graduated from Bishop Kelley High School, attended the College of Idaho and College of Southern Idaho, and pursued a life-long passion for learning. For subjects that captured her interest, she would seek out all available sources of knowledge and never forget what she learned.  
 
Having known severe disabilities, Nicole was an advocate for the disadvantaged, worked for public housing, and provided administrative services for a real estate firm. After briefly suffering from addiction, Nicole was active in the AA community where she loved the fellowship and had a passion to help her brothers and sisters in recovery.
 
With a singular focus, Nicole pursued her hobbies: cross stich, Lego model building, and above all, reading. As she lived her life in a wheelchair, she was an early adopter of World of Warcraft and other virtual worlds and online games. She also lived vicariously through athletes, with a passion for sports, especially the Boise State football team and the Duke men’s basketball team. She was the official stats keeper for CSI women’s basketball and even once took a vacation to Durham, North Carolina, to watch her beloved Blue Devils and Coach K play a home game.
 
We will miss Nicole’s courage, optimism, warmth, love, kindness, spirt, and enduring smile.
 
Nicole was preceded in death by her father, L. Ray Drake; grandparents; nephew, Jordan Drake; and cousin, Jon Drake. She is survived by her mother, Shelley Drake of North Las Vegas; brothers Stephen of Taipei, Taiwan, and Alex of North Bend, Oregon; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.
 
Services will be held at Cloverdale Funeral Home in Boise on Friday, September 1 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Nicole asked that she be honored with donations to The Ronald McDonald House (www.rmhc.org).