Friday, April 26, 2024
Valeria Martha Whitehead (Drake) is now at peace and with her precious Lord. She was born and raised in Edmonds and attended Edmonds High School, graduating with honors in 1973.
She was voted the Spirit of Edmonds and joined by her father and mother Lee and Darleen Drake at just about every game and concert. Valeria attended Shoreline Community College for an administrative and secretarial career with extended jobs at Bekins and Farmers New World Life on Mercer Island.
She also sang in two choirs in college, and ended her time there with a memorable voice recital. Valeria absolutely loved music and singing and made that the center of her personal and family life.
After her marriage to Dale Whitehead, her college sweetheart, they settled in Edmonds. The couple also resided in Bothell, Kingston, Silverdale, and Abingdon, Maryland. She and Dale moved to Ocala, Florida, after his retirement in June 2019 and lived there until she passed away.
She is survived by her husband, Dale; daughters Mandy and Mary; and sisters Jeanette Pike, Susie Kane and Claudia Jennings, with many nieces and nephews. Remembrances can be made to Save the Music Foundation. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at 2 p.m. at Beck's Tribute Center, 405 Fifth Ave. S, Edmonds.
