Ima Gean Brake, 93, passed away at home on Sunday June 14, 2026, surrounded by her family.
Gean, as she preferred to be called, was born in Buckhannon West Virginia to her parents Hughey and Lula Westfall. She met the love of her life, Loren, while in high school, and together they built their family dream. Gean supported her husband by working at a Philadelphia based surgical company, Pillings, while he achieved his Doctorate. She would later become a hair dresser until becoming a full-time homemaker. While raising her two children, Gean acquired many hobbies and would master them to perfection. Whether it was arts & crafts, baking, needle point, or square dancing she would achieve the highest quality of work and artistry. Gean was active with Aldersgate Methodist Church and also gave back to her community by providing meals on wheels. Her most joyous times were being with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. And, a Phillies winning streak would also bring a smile.
Gean is predeceased by her husband Loren, her son Dale, sisters, Lucille, Juanita, Shirley Ann, and her brother Woodford.
Many thanks to Gean’s wonderful friends: Jackie Tripett, Janet Westmoreland, Kathy Medley, Michelle Jorgensen, and Michelle Riggs for their compassion, support, and unwavering devotion in giving Gean the best quality of life.
Gean will be dearly missed by her daughter, Carrie Brake Schabla, her daughter in-law, Diane Brake, grandsons Christopher Brake (Courtney), Zachery Brander (Ishita), Shawn Brander (Courtney), great grandson Rowan, great granddaughter Cienna, nieces, the Green family and her best friend Lucille Riggs.
A memorial service will be held for both Gean and Loren Brake on July 12 at Aldersgate Methodist Church, 2313 Concord Pike, Wilmington, Delaware. Visitation will begin at 1 pm with the service following at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Aldersgate UMC (Memo/reference Ima Gean Brake memorial).
