May Drake Morabito, 97 of Broadview Heights, Ohio, passed away on February 8th in Brecksville Ohio. A celebration of May's life will take place on February 12th at Eddie's Creekside Restaurant 4pm to 7 pm. May was born in Orchard Park, New Jersey to James and Ethel Drake on 9/24/17. May Graduated from Bloomfield High School1935. She went on to study fashion design in New York City. Her artistic talent and an ability to concisely capture detail helped her find a place as a fashion illustrator in New York. Later she moved with her husband to Cleveland where she was employed by Higbee's as an advertising artist. While a Higbee's employee she also pursued freelance illustration work. Eventually, she choose the path of self employed illustrator, while simultaneously raising a family. Always the consummate ad professional, her illustrations appeared continuously in the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cleveland Press, as well as national publications such as Harper's Bazaar printed her work. Her artistic pursuits also were a part of her passion for ball room dance, which she took up at age 50. Her commitment and disciplined approach led her to compete in ballrooms around the nation where her abilities were awarded many recognitions. Through the dance community she met many wonderful friends as well as her love Armand. May combined her professional talents with her love for dance as a designer of ball gowns and dance costumes. Many of her designs are worn in competitions and exhibitions throughout the region. As recent as last week she had commented that she needed to get back to her studio, back to her projects. She was always looking ahead to the next creative challenge. May was the embodiment of strength, poise and grace, an inspiration to all who knew her. May is survived by her husband Armand Morabito of 37 years, her sons, Binns Handy and Matthew (Andrea) Handy, step children Sandi and (David) Einstein, Roseanne and (Matthew) Charms, Gene and (Jan) Morabito. Sibling James Drake of Connecticut. Step grandchildren Adrianne and (Steven) Teeter Kevin and (Karen) Morabito, Eric and (Kat) Einstein, Seth Charms, Sarah Charms and Jacob Charms. great grandchild Zoella Teeter Nieces and nephews, Mandy Drake Liu, Scott Drake, William O'Neil, Richard O'Neil, Janet and (Ken) Switzer JoAnn Thomson Funk, John E. Thomson. She is predeceased by husband Albert R. Handy, parents James and Ethel Drake, siblings Jess Drake O'Neil, Shirley The family wishes to extend their gratitude to all the friends, professionals and caregivers who made her passing more comfortable.
