Patricia Draper Obituary
Following a rich and wonderful life, Patricia Gafney Draper, age 91, of Newtown, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2021, with her family by her side. Pat will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her, especially her devoted husband Thomas Draper, who provided his best friend, and the love of his life, with unconditional love, tenderness and support through almost 69 years of marriage.
Pat was born on August 26, 1929 in Queens, New York to Leo and Julie Gafney. In addition to her husband she is survived by her seven children, Kathleen Mount (Steven) of Westerville, OH; Mary Maloney (James) of Danbury; Joan Draper (Gary Townsend) of Brookfield; Martha Odell (Don) of Darien; Donna Draper (Alan Chapin) of Newtown; Rosemary Gallant (Jonathan) of London, England; and Joseph Draper (Mieko) of Newtown and Fairfield; by 21 grandchildren, Rachel Hofstetter; Katherine and Thomas Mount; Elizabeth Betras; Adele Thomas; Anna and Ellen Maloney; Monica Kraft; Victoria Townsend; Jimmy and Annie Odell; Jacqueline, Mary Kate, Michael and Christopher George; Melissa and Martha Gallant; Suzuran, Rikto, May and Kent Draper; seven great-grandchildren and another arriving in December; her brother Leo Gafney (Judy) of Lakeville, CT, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Joan Crowley, her son Thomas Draper III, and her granddaughters Hannah George and Rebecca Draper Townsend.
Pat graduated from Mary Louis Academy in Forest Hills, NY, and the College of New Rochelle, making many lifelong friendships at both schools. She then received a Masters in Education from City College of New York and taught elementary school for several years, before becoming a full time mother. When her children were grown she went back to school and earned a Masters in Professional Accounting from the University of Hartford, and embarked on a second rewarding career as a CPA. A lifelong learner and voracious reader, she instilled her love of reading and education in her children and grandchildren.
Dedication to faith and family was the foundation of Pat's life. She was a devout and faithful Catholic with a rich prayer life. Her spiritual insights and wisdom were a beacon and inspiration to her family. She basked in the joy of being a doting mother, grandmother and great grandmother, and passionately loved her family. Nothing brought her greater happiness than the arrival of each new baby into the family, and the chance to hold that baby in her arms. She was a source of guidance and inspiration to her children and grandchildren, and they adored her. She was their trusted confidant who was always available to listen or to provide help, and an active supporter of all their endeavors. She delighted in family time, and especially treasured the annual gatherings of the family, at Cape May every summer, and on Christmas Eve at home. She never missed a birth, birthday, First Communion, graduation or other special milestone. She loved planning special times with her grandchildren, taking them to Disney World, a weekend in New York City, or to a bookstore to select the perfect book, or teaching them to cook and sharing her secrets (add more butter). She made sure they all knew how much they were loved, and they all believed they were her favorite.
She was a warm and gracious hostess who loved to entertain, and her parties were known for lively dinner conversation, delicious gourmet meals, and singing around the piano. Pat will be remembered for her selflessness, kindness and a beautiful smile that could light up a room. She showed us all how to live with faith, grace, patience, laughter, joy, and, most importantly, always with love. We were incredibly blessed to have had her in our lives, and we will miss her tremendously.
The family would like to thank the wonderful aides who cared for Pat with such kindness and compassion during her final years.
Calling hours will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, June 18, 2021, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Rd, Newtown. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Rose at 1 p.m on Saturday June 19. Arrangements are being handled by Honan Funeral Home.
If anyone would like to make a donation in Pat’s name, please consider the memorial fund at St. Rose Church (www.strosechurch.com) or The Museum of Natural History (www.amnh.org)