Erma M. Draper Obituary

No services are planned. Memorial Contributions may be made to Gold Star Wives or Caroline Hospice, in c/o the funeral home.

Age 101, passed away Thursday evening, June 27, 2024. Erma was born in Kalamazoo, on September 14, 1922, the daughter of Valentine and Julia (Nemeth) Orosz. She was married to John I. Draper who preceded her in death. Erma was an avid reader. When her vision dimmed, she liked listening to books. She also liked crossword puzzles and other puzzle games. In her younger years she liked travelling with John, which resulted in them moving to Florida, where she enjoyed combing the beach for shark teeth. Erma was a fan of the Olympic games, especially the summer games. She enjoyed ballroom dancing and loved Lawrence Welk and looked forward to the telecasts every Saturday night on PBS. She was very patriotic and was proud to be a veteran's widow. She was able to take care of herself in her advanced later years and she enjoyed her independence. Erma is survived by her nieces, including special nieces, Joyce (Ken) Bill, and Judi Orosz; a nephew; and many friends including special friends, Cammy Fleckenstein, Brandon Fleckenstein, Diane Smith, Edward Giustiniani; and her friends from Caroline Hospice. Besides her husband, Erma is preceded in death by brothers, Gus, Valentine, George and Joseph; sisters, Betty Richards, Mary Shorter and Julia Orosz.