In Memoriam
Peggy J. Drake, friend of New Jersey Wildlife
We were saddened to learn of the recent passing of Peggy J. Drake, a great friend of New Jersey wildlife and a supporter of the Conserve Wildlife Foundation for many years. Ms. Drake, 79, was a scientific editor and naturalist who became an enthusiastic volunteer for the New Jersey Endangered and Nongame Species Program (ENSP) after she retired from the business community. This Somerville, NJ resident joined the ENSP Speakers Bureau in 1995 to make her unique contribution to New Jersey’s endangered and threatened wildlife. Peggy quickly assumed the role of Area Coordinator for the Speaker’s Bureau, keeping track of scheduling and providing equipment and materials to other speakers. She especially enjoyed informing the public about our rare wildlife and the challenges that these animals face.
Her passion for animals and the outdoors always made her talks interesting. Groups frequently called the ENSP office to express their thanks for Peggy’s presentations and to say how much the audiences enjoyed them. In appreciation of her exceptional volunteer service, ENSP presented Ms. Drake with an Outstanding Service Award in 1999. In recent years, her health forced her to curtail her volunteer activities.
Before her retirement from business, she worked as an instructor for the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, a medical writer/editor for Hoechst-Celanese, and, later in her career, as a scientific editor and naturalist for Herpetological Associates, where she could indulge her passion for turtles.
The memorial service will be held on August 4, 2007 with the time to be announced by the Bruce VanArsdale Funeral Home, 111 North Gaston Avenue, Somerville, NJ. (908-725-3111) To send condolences to the family, please visit www.brucevanarsdalefuneralhome.com Donations can be made in Peggy’s name to the Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey, PO Box 400, Trenton, NJ 08625.
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