Norene E. Drake

Norene E. Klingberg Drake, of Newton St., Kensington, wife of William Drake, her beloved husband of 42 years, passed away Saturday. She was the daughter of the late Rev. Haddon and Myrtle Peterson Klingberg of New Britain. Born in Sioux City, IA July 20, 1935, she also lived in Kansas City, MO before moving to New Britain. Norene attended local schools, graduating from New Britain High School in 1953. She was a Registered Nurse, having graduated from Meriden-Wallingford School of Nursing. She worked at Meriden-Wallingford and New Britain General hospitals and volunteered as a history nurse for the Red Cross. Besides her husband, Norene is survived by two beloved daughters and sons-in-law: Lori and husband Kris Hillstrand of Norwell, MA; Karen and husband Gregory Rettich of New Britain. She leaves four dearly loved grandchildren with whom she spent much time: Hugh, Lily, and Eliot Hillstrand and Drake Rettich. Her dear brother and sister-in-law are Dr. Haddon Klingberg, Jr. and Janice Klingberg of Evanston, IL. There are also several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 17, at First Church of Christ Congregational, 830 Corbin Ave, New Britain, with Haddon Klingberg, Jr. officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Klingberg Family Centers, 370 Linwood Street, New Britain, CT 06052 or to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 733 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10017. Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.