Obituary of Aleatha M. Draper

Aleatha M. Draper, 73, of Ellisburg, died unexpectedly at home on Wednesday March 13, 2024. Currently there are no services scheduled and will be held at a later date. Arrangements are with the Piddock Funeral Home Inc, Adams, NY. Born October 4, 1950 in Cape Vincent, NY, daughter of Robert and Frances (Gault) Bourquin, she graduated from Cape Vincent School in 1968. Following school she had various jobs that included home health care, nursing home care and a cook at several local restaurants. She married James W. Draper of Lorraine on July 16, 1994. The couple lived in Cape Vincent and Lorraine before settling at their home in Ellisburg. She is survived by her husband James; two sons John Dillenbeck, Adams, Brett Draper, Ellisburg; two daughters Jennifer Schultz, Watertown, Paige Draper, Adams; a grandson Parker Dillenbeck, Ellisburg who lived with them since birth; and several other grandchildren and great grandchildren; two brothers Robert and James Bourquin; a sister Donna Taylor; and several nieces and nephews. Also ten brothers and sisters in law, William Draper, Edwin Draper, Norman Draper Jr, Julia Beattie, Linda Moreton, Carolyn Docteur, Mary Johnson, Rosie Bruins, Roberta Aubin, and Beverly Schuester. Along with their own children, together they raised over thirty foster children. She is predeceased by two daughters who died at birth; her parents; a brother Donnie Bourquin; a sister Bonnie Gault; a brother in law Lewis Draper and a sister in law Lydia Taylor. Aleatha enjoyed knitting, crocheting, baking, fishing, reading, playing Bingo and breeding Dachshunds and Pekingese dogs. She was a member of the Zion Episcopal Church in Pierrepont Manor, Daughters of the American Legion in Cape Vincent and was active in the Cape Vincent Farmer’s Market for many years. Donations in her memory may be made to the South Jefferson Rescue Squad, PO Box 126, Adams, NY 13605, or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences and memories may be made at www.piddockfuneralhome.com