Bertha Drake

Bertha Drake, a radiant spirit born on December 28, 1933, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, departed this world peacefully on the afternoon of March 16, 2025, at 12:20 p.m. in Glendale, Arizona. She was a true matriarch—a loving mother, grandmother, and friend—whose life resonated with joy, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to her loved ones.

The remarkable journey of Bertha began as a proud graduate of Union City High School, where her heart first learned the joys of friendship and perseverance. Over the years, she blossomed into a dedicated homemaker, a compassionate nurse's aide, an industrious assembly person at ATT, and a helpful customer service representative at a hobby shop. Each role she embraced was infused with her vibrant energy and compassionate spirit, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to cross her path.

Memories of Bertha encapsulate a life rich with love and shared moments. She eagerly organized family camping trips to Kennedy Meadows, reveling in laughter under the stars. And then there was the outings to the pumpkin patches of Half Moon Bay to get that special Halloween pumpkin every year. The trips to grandmas as we sped up and over the Dumbarton Bridge so we could feel our stomachs in our mouth as mom yelled at our father to slow down. Sundays were sacred to Bertha, as she devoted time to her own parents, nurturing the bond that rooted her family’s legacy. Her culinary prowess was unmatched; her hard-shell tacos filled with papas and chicken were a testament to her love, as were her famous Spanish rice and beloved tuna casserole so enjoyed by all of us, but especially by her nephew Fidencio. It was in these meals that she combined her knack for hospitality with her fierce wish to encourage independence, self-growth, and determination in her children.

A woman of engaging dualities, Bertha could embody the jovial spirit of a carefree soul while also exuding a respectful seriousness when needed. She encouraged her children to chase their dreams, always accepting of circumstances that lay outside her control, serenely trusting in fate. She was a lover of life, mercifully able to be pampered, and she firmly believed that life was a constant striving for something better.

Bertha's adventurous spirit was ignited by her profound wanderlust. One of her proudest accomplishments was her adventurous journey to Hawaii—a place she cherished to her core. The Hawaiian lifestyle enchanted her so deeply that it never lost its allure; she often mused about getting lost in its beauty. Likewise, she reveled in the nomadic life while traveling across the United States in her RV with Milos, embracing countless tales with old friends along the roads. Bertha had a remarkable gift for weaving together the essence of family gatherings around the holidays, pulling off magical Christmases that have become treasured legends passed down through generations.

Bertha is survived by her loving children: Daniel Legaspi Jr. (Catherine), Victor Legaspi (Tami), Anna Legaspi Lampp (Donald), Gloria Legaspi Chadwick, Victoria Legaspi Quiroz (Rick), and Miguel Legaspi. The warmth of her love extends to her grandchildren: Joy, Daniel, Sonya, Joeseph, Sarah, Nicolas, Josephina, Keith, Mathew, Kimberly, Kian, Keray, and Miko, as well as many cherished great-grandchildren. She fondly shared the joy of life with her longtime friends, David and Judy Russell, whose laughter and companionship filled her days with warmth and adventure.

Bertha will be lovingly remembered not only for her profound impact on her family but also for the lives she touched in every role she undertook. She is preceded in death by her father, Pedro Hernandez; her mother, Josephina Moreno Hernandez; her first husband, Daniel Legaspi; her second husband, Milos Drake; and her beloved companion, Duke Goad.

As we gather in the somber embrace of her cherished memories, we honor Bertha Drake—a spirited soul who ventured through life with unwavering determination and unyielding love, forever leaving her mark on the very fabric of all she held dear. May she rest gently in the eternal embrace of sweet peace.

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I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my sisters Vicky and Gloria who went above and beyond in the last year caring for my mother. Words cannot express my appreciation for your selfless efforts and time given while caring for our mother. I am grateful for all you two did and the expression of love you showed ensuring mom was comfortable and remembered always. 

Thank you.