Marilyn Palomba Draper

Marilyn Palomba Draper, 86, of Slaughter Beach, DE passed away Monday, November 25, 2024 in Lewes, Delaware. Marilyn was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, the daughter of the late Enrico Thomas and Anne (Jucknowicz) Palomba.  She grew up in South River, New Jersey and was a member of the South River High School Class of 1956.   Marilyn entered the University of Delaware and graduated in 1960, earning a BA in Elementary Education.

Upon graduation, Marilyn returned home to South River where she taught 4th grade.  In June of 1961 she married Frank Saxon Draper, of Milford, DE.  The newlyweds resided in Milford and began a family in 1962.  By late 1964, Marilyn and Frank had 2 daughters.  Marilyn stayed at home while the girls were young, but by the early 1970s Marilyn's teaching and leadership talents were exposed to the Greater Milford Community.  She was hired as the first Director of the Avenue Methodist Church Preschool where she worked for many years.

Marilyn loved animals - especially dogs!  She grew up as an only child with her pet Cocker Spaniel, "Yankee."   When she and Frank were first married, she wanted a horse but Frank disagreed, because they were living in a home in Milford and not on one of the family farms.  The rest is history.....Marilyn adopted the closest animal to a horse she could have in her house.....a Great Dane!  The first Dane, "Harley," was merely a family pet but by the late 1970s Marilyn had two more Danes and began showing her dogs regionally and nationally.  Eventually Marilyn founded her own Kennel, "Del Lago," bred her dogs, sold puppies to dog lovers who came from all over the world, and obtained her AKC judging license.  She was hired to judge Great Dane Specialty shows as far west as California and as far east as Finland!    Both her puppies and her popularity within the Dane community and world was renowned.  Marilyn and Frank equally enjoyed the dogs and the travel associated with the dog shows for many years.

Marilyn was very social and active in the Milford Community.  She was a member of the Milford Garden Club, the Milford Historical Society, Milford Hospital Fair Committee, Member of St. John's Catholic Church and Parish Board, Member, Past President, and Show Chairman of the Mispillion Kennel Club and taught dog obedience for the Milford Adult Education. 

Throughout her married life, Marilyn stayed behind the scenes and assisted Frank in the operation and ownership of several family businesses including the Draper Family Farms, Slaughter Beach Water Company and The Milford Diner.  Those who knew her would say she was "A Force to be Reckoned with!"   Marilyn was loving and kind, but also very direct and did not waver from her conservative morals and values.  She was devoted to the love of her family, faith, friends, and of course, her many animals. 

Marilyn is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, Frank S. Draper and her parents, Enrico and Anne Palomba.

She is survived by two daughters, Laura "Laurie" Draper Carter (Nick) of Lewes, and Margaret "Peggy" Draper (Robert Browne) of Lewes; 4 grandchildren; James "Jed" Bell (Elise), Steven"Alex" Bell, Frank S. Carter lV, and Anne "Annie" Draper Carter; and 2 great grandchildren Peyton and Logan Bell.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated for both Marilyn and Frank Draper at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Avenue, Milford, DE on Monday, December 23, 2024 at 12 Noon where friends may call at 11am.  Burial will be private. Memorial Contributions in memory of Marilyn may be sent to Mispillion Kennel Club -  827 East Market St Georgetown, DE  19947 or to St. John The Apostle Catholic Church - 506 Seabury Ave Milford, DE 19963

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