Marilee R. Drews

Marilee Ann (Richards) Drews

December 11, 1942 – March 10, 2026

Marilee, affectionately known as “Gran,” passed away peacefully in her home on March 10, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of deep and abiding faith, eternal optimism, kindness, and strong personal bonds with her family and friends. She was eighty-three years old.

Born in Bay Shore, NY, the daughter of A. Russell Richards and Nathalie Burns Richards, Marilee grew up on the ocean shores along with her brothers Michael (Susan), Thomas (Jacky), Timothy (Leslie), and her favorite sister, Julie (Corrado).

She attended Seton Hall Catholic High School, which was situated within bungalows on South Ocean Avenue, in Patchogue, New York. Since the school was not local to many of her friends, she enjoyed sleepovers and quality girl time. Marilee earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from State University of New York, Geneseo and was proud to be an AGO sorority girl! She had loved being an elementary school teacher, a profession she was proud to share with her grandson, Andrew.

When Marilee was set up on a blind date with Bob, it did not take long for their love story to unfold. Marilee and Bob managed to seamlessly blend two families into one loving unit. The five children called them “The Parents.” Their marriage was defined by respect, commitment, and unwavering support. Marilee and Bob owned and operated Sunny Road Rug Cleaners in St. James, NY, until they retired to Cutchogue, NY, to enjoy their days near the sea and sand, and their Sterling Road neighborhood, which they loved so much. Even after Bob passed away in 2022, Marilee continued to whisper to him every night.

When her grandchildren were young, Gran earned a new nickname, “the Falcon.” She would swoop in to protect any child, no matter how remote the danger. She will forever be remembered as a fiercely protective and loving grandmother, mother, sister, and devoted wife. She was thrilled to earn the title “great-grandmother” when her great-grandson Cooper was born.

Marilee adored her numerous groups of friends and cherished those friendships from early elementary school to present day. She made new friends everywhere she went, and connecting people with one another was one of her superpowers, (she affectionately called this her “syndrome”). She was fiercely independent and always on the go. She filled her days playing bridge, lunching with the girls, reading, gardening, walking her 14-year-old black lab, Cameron, and volunteering at the library and animal shelter. In addition, she had recently started tutoring English as a second language, forever an educator.

Marilee was predeceased by her husband Robert, brothers Timothy and Thomas, and sister-in-law Susan. She is survived by her children: Dr. Michael Drews (Robin), Dr. Mark Drews (Rebecca), Mary Drews (Godfrey Palaia), Kristin Carroll (Andrew), and Brady (Amy) Clouser, and her cherished grandchildren: Sarah Harrison (Ross), Jonathan Drews, Elena and Thomas Drews, Olivia Palaia, Aidan, Andrew, and Amelia Carroll, and Cade, Blake, Peyton, and Kenadie Clouser, great-grandson Cooper, and many nieces and nephews. Gran had personal and separate relationships with each one of her family members.

Her absence is profoundly felt, but her presence will live on in our hearts and memories and in the smiles of all who knew her.

A Catholic Memorial Mass will be held in Marilee’s honor on March 27, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church, 14300 Main Road, Mattituck, New York.

The Livestream Mass can be accessed on the church’s website.

A celebration of life for her friends and family will take place at Rose Hill Vineyards and Inn, Mattituck, New York, following her memorial mass.

We are grateful for your love and support. If you wish to honor Marilee, optional memorial donations may be made to her favorite organizations.

North Fork Breast Health Coalition or Southold Animal Shelter.

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