November 29, 1930 - November 6, 2023
Visitation
Friday, November 17th from 4-7 p.m. at Moreland Funeral Home
Service
Friday, November 17th 7 p.m. at Moreland Funeal Home
Burial
Blendon Central Cemetery
Carmela Nancy Drayer (Benedetto)
Determined to live life to the fullest, Carm Drayer did exactly that and did so until the very end. In her last few months, she went to a Barry Manilow concert, threw out the first pitch at Buckeye Field, and spent time doing her favorite hobby - shopping. But most importantly she continued enjoying a house full of family on traditional "Sunday Night Dinners."
Carm was born in 1930 in Columbus, Ohio, proudly grew up in Flytown, was a 1948 graduate of St. Mary's South and had fond memories of working at the "gas company" before becoming a devoted wife and mother of four.
In her nearly 93 years of life, nothing meant more to Carm than her love of family and friends and never hesitated showing people her warmth, compassion and witty sense of humor.
Beginning in 2015, she was diagnosed with sarcoma six times, and had an arm amputation at 89 years old. But, even that couldn't slow her down! She kept on driving around town, shopping, going to lunch with friends/neighbors and gambling at local casinos.
Through it all, Carm stayed unbelievably positive, continuing to put others' needs before her own, especially her immediate family for whom she gave 110%. She was the ultimate fighter and defied the odds time and time again. Carm's undeniable love for people fueled her passion for life.
Anyone fortunate enough to know Carm instantly became a better person. Her love and laughter will live on forever in our hearts and the countless lives she touched.
Carm's favorite quote was, "Treat your family like friends and your friends like family." But, those who knew her best also recall, "Save the receipt!" Carm was truly one in a million and we can find comfort knowing she is now at peace in the arms of the Lord and embracing the loved ones who have gone before her, especially her beloved son Mark.
Carm is survived by eldest son, Matt (Winnie); daughters, Molly and Mindy (Randy Kortokrax); grandchildren, Kelsi Collins (Hunter), Cori Kibler, Casey Kibler, Kylan Kortokrax, Kamryn Kortokrax, Madelyn Drayer, Danielle Drayer and many close cousins.
Preceded in death by parents, Joe and Josephine Benedetto; husband, Bob Drayer; son, Mark Drayer; favorite cousin, Frank Fancelli along with loving aunts and uncles.
The Drayer children would like to sincerely thank Gentiva Hospice for their outpouring support, care and love they showed Carm for the last 15 months. No one better than the "A" Team (Kaitlyn, Skylar, Jess and Sabrina).
Friends may call at the Moreland Funeral Home, 55 E. Schrock Road, Westerville, OH 43081 Friday, November 17, 2023 from 4-7 p.m. followed by a sevice at 7 p.m., Pastor Frank Carl of Genoa Baptist Church officiating. Private interment at Blendon Central Cemetery on Saturday, November 18, 2023 for family and close friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gentiva Hospice 540 Officenter Place, Gahanna, Ohio 43230.
Condolences
Carol Louden - Nov 18, 2023
I am so sorry, your mom was a one of a kind! Sending you all my hugs and prayers 
Chad Shuster - Nov 17, 2023
Great lady I've ever met you made a major impact on my life as your Columbus dispatch Paper delivery Guy Always greeted me with such Generosity getting to know your family I'll always enjoy your heartful welcomes
Dr Ernest S. Melaragno - Nov 16, 2023
My deepest sympathy to Mindy and your family. I have fond memories of your mom and the good times we shared at the GAC functions over the years.
Iles Family - Nov 12, 2023
We are so sorry for your loss. She was a ray of happiness to anyone lucky enough to have known her. She will be deeply missed by many.
Colleen (Gunn) Crespo - Nov 11, 2023
I'd like to send my heartfelt sympathy and love to the entire Drayer family and friends of Carmella. I was introduced to Carm in 1981 by her eldest daughter Molly, who had become a lifelong friend ever since. Unfortunately I didn't spend a lot of time with Carm as Molly and I would usually be on the run. The times that I did get to see her she always made me feel welcome. My biggest impression of Carm was her strength and value of family. She kept her family tight thru thick and thin. Later in life that strength showed in her "no quitting" attitude toward physical adversity. Today that strength shines thru in her children who were always there for her and cared for her until her last precious moment. What a fabulous job they did. Well done....well done.
Mary Thurn - Nov 9, 2023
My sincere condolences to the family. Carm was always bright and cheery! I remember well that at our 48th class reunion, the room came alive when Carm entered. Mary Thurn Class of â48
Ben Jay - Nov 9, 2023
Mindy, my deepest condolences and sympathy for you and your family. Your mom was an absolute wonderful person and I know she will be truly missed. My prayers for your mom as she rests gently in Godâs heavenly hands.
Pat and Joe Gossett - Nov 9, 2023
Weâre so sorry to hear if her death. Although weâve been out of touch, the many years we spent living in Hillcrest and the fun times we all had. She was a wonderful lady who will be missed. Rest in Peace!
Debbie Bettendorf - Nov 9, 2023
I feel so blessed I was able to meet her back in 2021 at Mindyâs book signing for âDear Momâ and even got a signed copy. I love and admire you Mindy and I know the Apple doesnât fall far- Rest in Peace Dear Mama and she definitely has a special place in heaven 
Cheryl M. Watkins - Nov 9, 2023
Love and light to your families.
Bob Gennett - Nov 9, 2023
My deepest condolences to Mindy and her family on this huge loss. While I never met Carm, I know her struggles and strength. Even though sheâs gone, rest assured that sheâs no longer in pain and is whole again.
David Meckler - Nov 8, 2023
Treat your friends like family and your family like friends. That was Carm Drayer. Whether you knew her as Gaga, Nana, Mom, Gooch, or Carm, she was quite an inspirational figure to those of us who knew her and loved her as a dearly beloved friend. She, like the rest of her family, treated me that way and Iâm grateful to all of them for all the generosity and hospitality they have shown me through the years. She thoroughly enjoyed the accomplishments and achievements of her children and her grandchildren, be it in sports or some other activity. She was great when she threw out the first pitch at granddaughter Kami Kortokraxâ softball game at Buckeye Field on The Ohio State University campus. Carm also kept contemporary with the times, even in sports. I remember years ago when we were watching her son-in-law, Randy Kortokraxâ coach his Hawks high school basketball team. Carm mentioned something about then Buckeye basketball players Samantha Prahalis and Evan Turner dating. I wasnât aware of this at the time and was astonished by it. âHow did Carm know about this?,â I wondered to myself. I googled it when I got home and it turned out she was right. Once, at another of Randyâs games, she couldnât believe that he had two kids on the team named Kendall (Kendal Sherrod and Kendall Johnson). I can still hear the PA announcer as one of the two attempted a free throw: âKendal Sherrod at the line shooting ONE...and onnnne.â One of her major passions was the music of Barry Manilow. Indeed, she and youngest daughter, Mindy, attended several of his concerts, including an August, 2023 performance at Nationwide Arena in Columbus. At a memorable concert many years ago, Carm could be heard screaming and yelling at each and every song Manilow sang. This caught the attention of some publicity people who invited Carm and Mindy backstage after the show where they were delighted by a meeting with Manilow himself. Indeed, Manilowâs lyrics go a long way into better understanding and appreciating Carm even in later years as she battled sarcomas and having her arm amputated because of it., So, even now, maybe the old songs will bring back the old times. This oneâs for Carm wherever she is. To say that nothingâs been the same since weâve been apart. She was alive forever and wrote the very first song. She put the words and the melodies together. She was music and she wrote the songs. You wouldnât believe where sheâd been. The cities and towns she was in. From Boston to Denver, and every town in between. Carm came into our arms and let us know the wonder of all of her. And, baby, we loved her. She was the magic, at last! She came and she gave without taking. Weâre singing to the world, wonât you let her spirit come in and shine, shine, shine all around the world. Weâve been up, down, high, low, and everywhere we possibly can but thereâs no trying to get the feeling again, and again, and again. It seems to disappear as fast as it came. We canât smile without her. We canât laugh, we canât sing. Weâre finding it hard to do anything. If Carm only knew what weâre going through... She made it through the rain and found herself respected by the others who got rained on too! She made it through. And so can you! Looks like she made it! Carm will go on burning bright, somewhere in the night. Treat your friends like family, and your family like friends.
Patricia Weimer - Nov 8, 2023
I am so sorry for all of you, I also feel bad because I did not come by and see her. She was the big sister I never had, and she also loved me like a little sister. My heart is breaking, but I know she is finally with her family, her Mom and Dad, and her husband and her wonderful grandson who I know she missed very much. I know she called me a few weeks ago and we talked a long time, and I told her I would come by soon, but I guess I didn't make it. Sending all my love to all of you Matt, Molly, and Mindy, and all the grand kids. I will be with you on Friday the 17th.
Toni Bernard - Nov 8, 2023
I was so sorry to hear about Carmella. She always had a smile. Loved by everyone she met. She will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her Family.
Bill Snyder - Nov 8, 2023
Im so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed seeing your mom every week for the last 6 years. I will miss her.....