Eleanor M. Draper

Eleanor M. Draper November 5, 1918 – June 29, 2003 Eleanor M. Draper was born to Walter and Florence Mauricette in Dover, New Hampshire on November 5, 1918. She graduated from the University of New Hampshire in 1942 with a degree in Physical Education. She married Frederick A. Draper June 10, 1942. Elly and her husband spent most of their married years in the United States Air Force. After WWII, orders took them from New Hampshire to tours of duty in ten states and Wiesbaden, Germany. After retirement and discovering the area’s lakes, they settled in Austin in 1970. Elly was a top-rated snow skier in college, an activity she continued through a major portion of her life. Hiking, walking, skiing and boating were only a few of her favorite activities. A veteran athlete, she became a member of the American Volkssport Association. As part of her commitment to health and fitness, she completed a 10K walk in all 50 states. Elly was a member of the Colorado River Walkers, completing the Capitol 10K here in Austin. She was an active participant in many other community activities. Elly was a member of the Retired Officers’ Wives Club, a teacher in the Austin Knit & Crochet Group, and a volunteer for many years at The 1886 Room and the Senior Activity Center. She has donated countless hours creating hundreds of crocheted comforters for the neonatal unit at Seton Hospital, Helping Hands for Boys, Amarillo’s Cal Farley’s Boys’ Ranch and the Austin Settlement Home for Girls. She was known by many names: Eleanor, Elly, Mother, Grammy, and Mimi. She was also known by many as a friend, neighbor, and animal lover. She truly inspired everyone she met and lived every day to the fullest. Her devotion to helping others and her passion for living touched all that knew Elly. She is survived by her children: Bob Draper and wife Sharon, Robin Amerman, Ted Draper, and Susie Conklin and husband Jimmy; grandchildren: Robert Draper and wife Jean-Marie, Stephanie Draper, Ashley Amerman, Kayla, Colton and Carson Conklin and great grandson Heyden Draper. She is also survived by beloved nieces: Sharon Root and Gail Mauricette. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Cal Farley’s Boys’ Ranch in Amarillo, Austin Settlement Home for Girls, or the SPCA. A celebration of her life will be held Sunday, July 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Arrangements by Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 3125 N. Lamar, Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811. You may view memorials at www.wcfish.com