Drake, Eileen (Goldthorpe)

Eileen (Goldthorpe) Drake, age 76, of Mineral Point, passed away peacefully on April 20, 2025, in the home of her daughter in Blanchardville.

Born on December 10, 1948, in Beloit, Wisconsin, Eileen was the daughter of Robert and Claire Goldthorpe. She was preceded in death by her parents; her infant sister Dorothy; her sisters Marsha and Terri; her brother-in-law Dick Jelle; her nephew Jeremy Olson; her niece Pam Kinsman; and her nephew Tylor Wilson. Raised in a home grounded in love and strong values, Eileen carried that foundation with her throughout her life.

She proudly served her country for 30 years in the United States military, embodying resilience, strength, and unwavering dedication. Her service was a defining part of who she was, and she brought that same spirit of commitment and care into everything she did.

Eileen was a devoted mother to Sheila (John) Dempsey, Katherine Drake, Daniel (Amber) Drake, Davida Drake, Donald Drake, Tammy Bradshaw, and Jimmy Slater. She was a beloved grandmother to Jamie, Jessica, Tyler, Kaitlyn, Savannah, Cameron, Raymond, Drake, Parker, Jack, Jameson, Gavin, John, Shayna, and Shania—and a proud great-grandmother to many more.

She is survived by her siblings Mary (Ray) Murphy, Colleen (Lenny) Hooks, Lori (Mike) McGowan, Daniel (Kaye) Goldthorpe, Roberta Jelle, and Robert Goldthorpe, along with a large extended family of nieces and nephews who adored her.

Eileen will be remembered for her strength, her generous and accepting spirit, and her unwavering love for family. If you knew her, you loved her. She helped anyone without hesitation and never let anyone leave hungry—“Have you eaten?” was her trademark greeting. Known for feeding the masses and fixing everything from broken hearts to scraped knees, she brought calm confidence and fierce love to every room she entered. She was a force—stubborn, nurturing, selfless, and unforgettable.

After a life lived fully and fiercely, Eileen’s journey came to a peaceful close. There’s no easy way to say goodbye to the woman who raised you, shaped you, and stood beside you through every chapter. Her family is heartbroken—but deeply grateful for every laugh, every lesson, and every memory.

Rest now, Mom. We’ll carry you with us, always.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 28th from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at Gorgen Funeral Home and on Tuesday from 10:00 until 10:50 a.m. at the church.  A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Tuesday, April 29th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary & Paul Catholic Church in Mineral Point, followed by burial with military honors at St. Paul’s Cemetery. A luncheon will follow in the church basement. The family invites all who knew Eileen to join them in sharing memories, photos, and stories as they celebrate her remarkable life.

To honor Eileen's love for nature and her community, memorial donations may be made to the Arbor Day Foundation’s Memorial Tree Program, or a tree may be purchased through Aspen Ridge to be planted within the Mineral Point community—a lasting tribute to her appreciation for the outdoors. Contributions are also welcomed to the Mineral Point Community Chest, helping support local children—a cause that meant a great deal to her.

As a final tribute to her vibrant spirit, the family kindly requests that guests wear her favorite color—purple—to the services.

Gorgen Funeral Home

www.gorgenfh.com