Marvel Marie Draper

On Thursday June 9th just as a spring flower instinctively opens to welcome in the new dawn, with one last earthly breath Mom’s next breath welcomed in Heaven. Escorted by Jesus as the angels rejoiced and all the saints who had gone before her greeted and embraced her, she heard God say the beautiful words, “My Good and Faithful Servant.” That was our Mom!

At 86 years old, Mom led a full life of love, laughter, fun and adventure. She was meek and mild with a hint of stern that we called her stubborn French streak. Her surprise wit and spontaneous sense of humor at times would have us laughing so hard our stomachs hurt. Her sweet and welcoming smile gave your heart such a feeling of comfort you couldn’t help but smile back. Her spirit was full of grace and mercy and above all unconditional forgiveness and love. As a devoted catholic she regularly attended St. Anthony’s church. She had a strong faith and loved her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart mind and soul.

Mom was born in Moorhead Minnesota on March 14, 1936, to her parents Severt and Caroline Johnson. She graduated as Valedictorian from Mount St Mary’s high School and continued working to help support her family. She was a sister to her younger brother Gordon.

On February 4th, 1956, she married the love of her life, our father, Duane E Draper Sr. They had five children Duane Jr, Kim, Michael (who died at birth), Kevin, and Pamela.

In the 1980’s at different times each member of the family moved to Fresno, California and enjoyed being close to one another over the years.

Mom loved her family. Having us all together made her the happiest. She loved animals especially her Pomeranian dogs. Her favorite flower was the bird of paradise. She enjoyed trips to New York and Hawaii. She loved watching Hallmark movies and her daily soap opera drama General Hospital. (which she got us all hooked on since we were little kids!). She read her bible and prayed faithfully. Many nights you would find her bible open on her lap and her rosary in her hands as she had fallen asleep praying to Jesus.

Scalloped potatoes and ham, cream of wheat, fluffy waffles with egg and syrup were a few of her favorite things to eat. And you better not forget her daily café mocha from Jack in the Box!

Everyone who met Mom would say “Your mom is one of the sweetest, and kindest ladies I have ever met”. And she was! Just like her mom, our grandma Johnson, same smile, same sweet spirit.

Blessed beyond measure us children, grandchildren and great grandchildren have so many cherished memories to keep close in our hearts and to have her forever with us.

She was preceded by her husband Duane E Draper Sr. and her brother Gordon Johnson.

She leaves behind four children, Duane Jr, Kim and JP, Kevin and Tina, Pamela and Reggie. Nine grandchildren Jessica and Christopher, Duane lll, Stephanie and Sam, Katie and Mark, Kaila and Randy, Kevi John and Vivian, Kaycee, Cameron and Cody and eleven great grandchildren whom all surrounded her life with lots of love and laughter.

To our Sweet Spirited, Funny, Beautiful, and Loving Mom.

Until we meet again and forever in our hearts, love you dearly and deeply miss you.

A special thanks to the staff at St. Agnes Hospice who cared for Mom, especially Manpreet, Olivia, Angela, Margaret (thank you for praying with us) and Mom’s caregiver Veronica. What a blessing each of you were to us! Thank you for the kind and gentle care you gave Mom. She loved you all.