Obituary of Alyshia Comedy Drake

Alyshia Comedy Drake, “Aly” to her family, was born on January 19, 1974, in Placerville, California. She passed away in Roseville, California on February 5, 2024, at the young age of 50. 

Alyshia’s early life was filled with fun and lots of sisters. When her oldest sister Jessica found out her mother was pregnant she told the doctor “I am getting a sister.” The doctor and others tried to dissuade her as you couldn’t know in those days, but Jessica held set fast. And, not only did Alyshia get one sister, but our neighbors had two girls of similar ages, Lisa and Krissy Boocks. The four of them became fast sisters doing everything together, including, but not limited to, making copious mud pies, climbing trees, and dance performances often in matching bathing suits. 

Their father, Jim, took the girls on endless summer adventures in the Sierra Mountains, snow skiing, water skiing, skating, hiking, camping, and sailing. These early experiences imprinted on Alyshia a sense of adventure she would have throughout her life. 

Some might think that growing up in the 70s and 80s was boring, but Alyshia and Jessica loved music. They would play records and dance and sing all day long to the music of Paul Simon, Rodger Miller, and anything from the 70s, which they both agreed was the best music era.       

Alyshia loved the arts. In high school, she took singing lessons and became a marvelous singer. One year at the county fair she belted out a song from Porgy and Bess that would rival Lady Day. And then one day she decided to write an entire novel based on her Croatian great-grandmother. She didn't have a computer, but undeterred, she decided to write it on her Blackberry. 

When Alyshia was 19 she took off on an adventure to Ingolstadt, Germany. She quickly got a job as she said it: “Teaching Audi managers to speak in American slang” so they could negotiate deals with their American counterparts. During her time there, she became fluent in her second language, both working and taking classes in German. Having mastered the art of teaching English as a second language she next moved to Thailand to work for Thai Airlines.

She returned to the United States in the early 2000s and moved to Sutter Creek to be closer to her childhood roots. Alyshia had struggled with her weight most of her life and one day decided enough was enough. She lost 150 pounds, quit smoking cold turkey, and became “The Racy Blonde.” This was her first small business. She was an inspiration to people in the Sutter Creek/Jackson community who she helped through her personal training and running events. Her clients called the group marathon runs a "Party on Feet.” She got so good at running that she qualified for and ran the Boston Marathon. And then the next year, she ran 12 ultra marathons (50 miles+) at an average of once a month. (Phew!)

She married Ryan Drake in 2011 and a few years later Roman Ansdell Drake was born. Roman was the love of Alyshia’s life and the glue that brought all of us together as a family. Alyshia loved Roman so much that she couldn’t bear to be away from him all day at work. So again she started a business. Alyshia started a daycare, “Grow From The Stem,” in 2015. Aly’s watched and helped many children grow up. She worked to help them establish strong emotional intelligence with an emphasis on teaching kindness and caring as well as hard subjects like science and math.

Alyshia was known throughout Amador County for her friendship, compassion, joyful spirit, and big heart.

She is survived by her son Roman Drake, mother Nancy Latorre, father James Davies, grandmother Amelia Carleton, Sister Jessica Davies, Brother Spencer Davies, Stepfather Peter Latorre, Stepmother Linda Davies, Roman’s father Ryan Drake, and her fiance Tommy Feltenberger. 

A Celebration of Life will be held, open house style, at The Spur Emporium (within the Amador Fairgrounds) at 18621 Sherwood St. Plymouth, CA 95669 on Saturday, February 24th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Family, friends, and those whose lives were touched by Alyshia are invited to gather to laugh, cry, and share stories. It is a potluck so feel free to bring finger foods or non-alcoholic beverages. Please understand this is a dry event, the family requests that there be no alcohol.