Obituary of Harriet E. Drach

Harriet Elizabeth Palmer Drach, of Cortland, died January 2, 2019. Born in Enid Oklahoma to Bert and Mary Reynolds, went to Groton Schools, then moved to Cortland and married Peter C. Drach. Worked in Button Works, P&R Macaroni, International Harvester in Auburn, came to Cortland and was employed by SCM for 25 years as a riveter and retired. Pete and I had rental property and camps at Otisco Lake, enjoyed swimming, boating, gardening, family and friends. Member of Cortland Moose bowling, women's pitch league, and Cortland Music Park where we volunteered and a lover of Country music and dancing, sang with the bands at 42 Church St, also played in Groton High School Band. Enjoyed our retirement and traveled and took many cruises. Survivors are a step son Charles Drach of Cortland, a step daughter CarylAnn (Edward) Balskus of Connecticut. Thirteen grandchildren, Wendy (Tom) Gilbert of Marathon, Larry (Lisa) Drach of Cortland, Sherri (Jeff) Hodge of North Carolina, Marc (Rochelle) Palmaffy of Alabama, Chris (Jeff) Capalongo of Dryden, Cindella (Harris and great granddaughter Cadence) Palmer of Dryden, Larisa Zagorski of Connecticut, John (Stacy) Balskus of Connecticut, Lauraine Ross of Connecticut, Joe (Pam) Balskus of Connecticut, Tom (Donna) Balskus of Connecticut, Caryl (Glen) Balskus of Connecticut. 24 great grandchildren, 12.5 great great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Peter; children Ronald (Sandy) Palmer, Patricia Palmaffy, and Dorothy Drach, siblings Dorla Batzer, Milton Reynolds, Merlin Reynolds, and Bernice Cooper; great grandchild Lisa Gilbert and great great grandchild Tashawn Whittaker. A calling hour will take place at the Wright-Beard Funeral Home, Inc., Saturday from 10am to 11am, with a service to take place immediately following at 11am at the Funeral Home. Burial will take place in the spring at Cortland Rural Cemetery. Those wishing to remember Mrs. Drach are asked to consider The Cortland Music Park, Hospicare and The United Presbyterian Church. The family would like to extend their thanks to all of those at Oncology Associates of Cortland, for the excellent care they provided.