Jean A. Draper, a sixty year resident of Boylston, passed away peacefully on August 11, 2016, after a brief illness. She was 86. A loving wife and mother, Jean grew up in Canton, Massachusetts, sixth child of five older brothers and one younger sister. She loved horses from an early age and enjoyed riding the trails around Canton and Stoughton. Later, Jean would further her education and skills at Boston Clerical School. She had met Charlie Draper, and they were married April 10, 1954 when he returned from serving our country in Korea. Settling in Boylston in 1956, Charlie and Jean made it their home, raised their three children, and always welcomed everyone that visited. Jean was a field hockey referee for many years for the local high schools and she could be found on the sidelines during field hockey and football games at Tahanto. She worked at Heald /Cincinnati Milicron in Worcester for many years. Jean was actively involved in the Boylston Recreation Summer program and her love of plants brought her to the Boylston Garden Club where she chaired the annual wreath sale until she was 80. Jean was a frequent visitor and volunteer at the Tower Hill Botanical Gardens for nearly 20 years and if you dropped by her house for a visit, she was sure to take you there on a guided tour. Many times.
Jean enjoyed Sunday services at the Congregational Church and the family sends its deepest thanks and love to all the neighbors and friends who supported her and looked in on her these past few years.
Jean is survived by her children, Chuck in East Falmouth, Dave in Gilroy CA, Deb in Shrewsbury; her grandchildren, Jolene, Devin, his wife Stephanie, and Brendan, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 20th at the First Congregational Church of Boylston with a reception to remember and celebrate her life, following the service.
Donations in lieu of flowers, can be made to the First Congregational Church of Boylston, Tower Hill Botanical Gardens, and the Boylston Garden Club.