On March 29, 2023, Audrey Drake McClenon of Walton passed away at home with her family by her side.
Born Feb. 16, 1925, Mom was the youngest of four children of Frank and Rosa Hugaboom Drake. The family lived in Oneonta before settling on the Chamberlain Brook homestead in Franklin, when Mom was five years old. Her parents and siblings, Frank Jr. (Ethel) Drake, Robert Drake, and Dorothy Harris have all predeceased her.
Mom married Robert McClenon on Aug. 20, 1945. They were married 67 years before dad’s passing in 2002. Mom was a loving and devoted wife who took care of dad for 18 years following a debilitating stroke.
Mom and Dad raised their seven children in Walton. Robert Jr. (Midge) McClenon, Otego; John (Sandy) McClenon, Trout Creek; Karen (Ed) Hoyt, Bainbridge; Melinda Williams, Bainbridge; Pamela (Robert) Conklin, Walton, and Cindy (Norman) Kilpatrick, Walton.
Besides her parents and siblings, Mom was predeceased by their darling infant daughter Sharon Audrey McClenon; sons-in-law Alan Wood and Ian Williams.
Mom was blessed with 14 grandchildren. Michael McClenon, Apalachin; Kaili (Peter) Collier, England, U.K.; Brady (Deb) McClenon, Oneonta; Scott McClenon, Trout Creek; Wayne (Dawn) McClenon, Walton; Daryl (Morgan) McClenon, Trout Creek; Daniel Wood, Sidney; Brian Wood, Bainbridge; Matthew Wood, Bainbridge; Joy (Roger) Eyrolles, Norfolk, Va.; Ashley (Michael) Jinks, Bainbridge; Leah Williams, Bainbridge; Emily (Jeremy) Roach, Walton, and Cameron Kilpatrick (Klara), Binghamton.
Mom and Dad’s legacy lives on with the addition of 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Mom took great pride in her family, home and being independent, living at home until her final days.
Besides raising her family, Mom worked at Lane’s Pharmacy (aka Walton Pharmacy) and Hendee’s Market (aka Townsend Street Market), having worked for four owners: Howard and Josie Hendee, Bert Budine, Vinny and Marie Forcilla, and Bob and Marie Carlson. For many years, Mom ran the concession stand at the Walton Theatre.
Our family would like to say a very special thanks to nurse Jennifer Faye for her compassionate care during mom’s final days. Nurse Jen was truly a blessing for our family. Her support was greatly appreciated during Mom’s final life’s journey.
Per Mom’s request, there will be no calling hours. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at the Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Avenue, Walton with Rev. Bert More, officiating.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Courtney Funeral Home, Walton. Donations in Mom’s memory may be made to Helios Care, 297 River Street Service Road, Oneonta, NY.
Condolences to the family may be made online at www.courtneyfh.com
