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Lenora Marie Draves (O'Brien)
Born: 3/7/1951
Died: 7/29/2026
Age: 75
Community: Davison, MI
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DRAVES, Lenora Marie (O’Brien) – of Davison, MI, age 75, passed away Wednesday, July 29, 2026. Cremation has taken place. A Memorial Gathering will be held 2-7 PM Sunday, August 16, 2026 at Allen Funeral Home, 9136 Davison Road, Davison, MI 48423. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Autism Speaks, National Park Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Toys for Tots, Arbor Day Foundation or the Make-A-Wish Foundation, in Lenora’s memory.
Lenora was born in Flint, MI on March 7, 1951, daughter of the late Thomas and Lydia (Maxwell) O’Brien. She was a proud 1969 graduate of St. John Vianney Catholic High School. Lenora went on to earn her bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Michigan-Flint in 1974, later continuing her studies to receive a master's degree in Education. On December 27, 1974, she married the love of her life, Martin Draves, beginning a devoted partnership built on love, faith, and family. A lifelong learner with a generous heart, Lenora believed that education had the power to change lives. As both a social worker and educator, she dedicated her life to helping others reach their full potential. She had an incredible ability to teach herself new subjects so she could better tutor, encourage, and support her students and children. Her compassion extended far beyond the classroom, as she devoted herself to improving the lives of those in her community through her work with the Department of Social Services and her second career in education. Lenora had a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. She inherited her love of sewing from her mother, who once lovingly made much of her wardrobe. Blessed with a true green thumb, she found great joy tending her gardens, especially her cherished rose bushes, fragrant lilacs, and strawberry plants. She loved spending time outdoors, whether hiking scenic trails or simply enjoying the peacefulness of nature. Christmas held a special place in Lenora's heart. She treasured every part of the season, from decorating and celebrating with loved ones to baking countless Christmas cookies that became a beloved tradition for her entire family. A woman of extraordinary kindness and generosity, Lenora quietly supported countless charitable causes throughout her life. She was a passionate advocate for neurodiverse individuals, those with autism, the Special Olympics, young adults who struggled in traditional educational settings, and the dedicated social workers who served them. She also faithfully supported environmental initiatives, animal welfare organizations, and children's charities, always seeking ways to make the world a more compassionate and welcoming place.
Above all, Lenora will be remembered for her servant's heart. Whether through her career, her volunteerism, or her everyday acts of kindness, she lived with a genuine desire to uplift others. Her unwavering compassion, wisdom, and selfless dedication touched countless lives, leaving a legacy of love, hope, and service that will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Lenora is survived by her husband, Martin Draves; 2 children, Pamela Anne Caskey and Joseph Martin (Kathy Cho) Draves; 2 grandchildren, Silas Caskey and Declan Caskey; 2 siblings, Dennis O’Brien and Anne Simpson; many other loving family members, a lot of whom Lenora babysat, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Lydia O’Brien; 3 brothers, Carl (Barbara) O’Brien, Michael O’Brien and Patrick (Margaret) O’Brien; sister-in-law, Karen O’Brien and brother-in-law, Gary Simpson.
Please share your thoughts with the family at www.allenfuneralhomeinc.com
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| Visitation |
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8/16/2026 |
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2:00 PM |
| 2-7 PM Sunday, August 16, 2026 |
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| Funeral Service |
| Date: |
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8/16/2026 |
| Time: |
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2:00 PM |
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| Location: |
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Allen Funeral Home
9136 Davison Rd
Davison, MI 48423Get a Map to this location...
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