Obituary of Kathrynne A. Draper

Kathrynne Draper, 61, of Lee Center, NY passed away peacefully with family by her side on September 29, 2024.

  She was born on November 10, 1962, to Gilbert Smith and Yvonne Leech James on the Minot Air Force base in North Dakota. Her family has moved through several states, making their final destination in Rome, NY where they all planted their roots.  She met Gary Draper whom she wed on January 26, 1986. They began growing their family soon after.

  Kathy had the most pronounced, infectious laugh. Everyone knew it was her before she even walked into a room. Her smile was the most vibrant and beautiful asset, stretching ear to ear. She loved her children and grandchildren with her every being. She was a bus driver for Birnie then Adirondack and adored those children as well. She was always known as the neighborhood mom. Her children’s friends came over daily to the point it was called a “flop house”, she always treated them like her own. She was extremely easy to talk to, as well as confide in. She was trustworthy, funny, serious when the need arose. She was always thinking with her heart and gave the shirt off her back for anyone in need. Kathy was an avid animal lover, specifically her dogs Merlin, Dingo and her cat, Large Marge.  Everyone has a fond memory of Kathy even if it was just a quick trip to get coffee or running into her at a doctor’s appointment. She just had this truly special and unique aura about her that drew people to her.  Kathy was a beautiful, bright light in this world who will be severely missed. Our world has become a bit dimmer.

   Kathrynne is survived by her husband, Gary Draper of Lee Center, NY, 2 sons, Kaelin Draper of Lee Center, NY, Trevor (Melissa) Draper of Camden, NY and a daughter Wendy (Ryan) Vanderpool of Tulsa, OK. A special sister, Sharon (Lyle) Sorrell of Rome, NY who was with her every step of the way, a brother Michael of Oneida, NY, brother Jerome James and her stepmother, Sherry (Gilbert) Smith. She had 3 grandchildren who made her life complete: Hannah, Logan and Bryson. They gave her the strength to fight a little longer every day. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins. She has great nieces and nephews, specifically Evelyn who she always held a special place in her heart. She also had a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Dan and Sue Burgdorf, who were not only family but great friends, they were always getting her out of her shell. Kathy had many long-time friends, including Donna, Brenda, and Patty.

Kathrynne is predeceased by her father, Gilbert Smith, mother, Yvonne James, and brother, Robert Smith.

  We’d like to extend our upmost gratitude to Rome Health Hospital staff for giving her the best love, care and comfort to her and her family during this difficult time. We truly appreciate each and every one of you.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 4^th, 7:00 p.m. at Nunn and Harper Funeral Home, Inc., 418 N. George St., Rome NY 13440. Family and friends are invited to call at the funeral home on Friday prior to the service from 4-7:00 p.m.

You may view the obituary and send a message of sympathy at www.nunnandharper.com.