Eloise V. Draper

CHESHIRE – Eloise V. Draper(Ellie), 87, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 28, 2024 at her home in Cheshire, surrounded by her loving family.

Ellie was born July 10, 1937, in Naguabo, Puerto Rico, daughter of the late Juan and Victoria (Torres) Valentin. She moved to Connecticut in 1956, where she devoted her life to raising and caring for her family, friends, and often new acquaintances. Ellie worked at Elim Park Baptist home for approximately 40 years and retired as the House Keeping Supervisor. 

Ellie leaves behind her son BJ Draper and his wife, Toni Draper of Maine, and her son Jason Draper of New Hampshire. She is also survived by her sister, Concepcion Luyando of Puerto Rico. In addition, she will be dearly missed by her grandchildren, Joseph & Daniel Draper, Dan & Allison Zarrella, and Barbara & Jodon Grzybowski. Ellie was fortunate enough to spend time with her two adorable Great Granddaughters, Audrey Zarrella, and Isabella Grzybowski, who will miss her dearly. 

In addition to her parents, Eloise was predeceased by her brother Santiago Torres, sister Edith Velazquez, sister Carmen Bonilla and brother-in-law Tony Bonilla.

Eloise dedicated her entire life to caring for others. She worked extremely hard to make sure those she loved and cared for had whatever they needed. Throughout her life, she established and maintained countless strong friendships, many of which provided significant support as she worked as many as three jobs to make sure her children had a roof over their head, clothes on their backs, food on the table and never missed out on any available opportunities in life. Ellie had a passion for the culinary arts. She read literally thousands of cook books and enjoyed cooking and catering private events for family and friends. 

To know Ellie Draper was to Love her. She was a strong willed, determined woman with the most beautiful smile and always willing to help someone in need. Although her sons occasionally feared her, we recognize all the sacrifices she made to provide and care for us. We would like to take this opportunity to thank some very special people in Ellie’s life who were particularly supportive. To our Aunt Diane Boland, we thank you for all the time you’ve spent with mom and help you’ve provided. We will cherish for years the memories of the adventures the two of you had and love you’ve shown her. To our Cousin Nancy Bonilla and daughters Allison and Jessica, thank you for all your help, love and support. Ellie loved you all. To Francis Livia, Ellie’s friend of over 30 years, we are forever indebted to you and your family for the love, care, and kindness you’ve shown Ellie during her most trying times. Words cannot express how appreciative we are to you for all you’ve done. From the bottom of our hearts, Thank You. We would also like to thank Jean Roeder, Ellie’s dear friend, Pastor Ken, and the members of the Cheshire United Methodist Church for all their kindness and spiritual support. 

Arrangements: – Services for Ellie Draper are private and will be held at the convenience of her family. There are no calling hours and the Alderson-Ford Funeral Home of Cheshire is assisting with arrangements. Memorial contributions, in Eloise’s name, can be made to The Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut.