Raven Drake

Raven Drake, a devoted Iron Maiden fan, dedicated community member, and fiercely loyal friend, passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 58. A self-described black sheep who lived life unapologetically on her own terms, Raven surrounded herself with the people who mattered most. She cared deeply and fiercely about the things and people she loved, bringing an unmistakable passion and authenticity to everything she did.

Her legendary enthusiasm for Iron Maiden was evident in her extensive memorabilia collection and her active involvement in the Iron Maiden Fan Club. That same creative energy and commitment to community found expression through many years of volunteering with Ottawa’s theatre scene. She worked in the box office at Ottawa Little Theatre and contributed her talents to companies including Goya Theatre and the Savoy Society of Ottawa. At Orpheus Musical Theatre, Raven could often be found cutting fabric in the costume room, designing props, painting sets, helping in the workshop, or assisting with load-ins and load-outs.

In her daily work, Raven brought the same warmth and presence to those around her. For many years she was a familiar and welcoming face at the Giant Tiger on Wellington Street, often at cash register number one. In recent years she found joy in her role with the maintenance team at the Ottawa Hospital. Whether assisting with a DIY project, working behind the scenes, or simply listening when someone needed to talk, she had a gift for being exactly what was needed in the moment.

Raven’s deepest devotion was reserved for her chosen family, the close circle of friends she curated over decades. She is survived and deeply missed by her “sister” Cindy List and husband Vic; her steadfast supporter Steve Jones; her theatre “child” Kevin Gehrels, his wife Carmella Wilson, and their son Mark; her cottage companions Murray and Pauline Doggett; her theatre friends Graham Galway, Maritie Lord-Galway, and Maggie Walters; and her longtime friend, former co-worker, and roommate Jennifer Donnelly. She will also be fondly remembered by countless other friends, co-workers, and fellow theatre volunteers.