Lynne Marie (Desjardins) Draper, 65, Massena

MASSENA -- Mrs. Lynne Marie (Desjardins) Draper passed away early Sunday, January 14, 2024, at the Massena Hospital after a short, but courageous battle with cancer.

Lynne was born on July 14, 1958, in Potsdam, NY, the daughter of Gerard and Elizabeth (Leach) Desjardins.

Lynne was a graduate of Massena Central after attending a number of years at Sacred Heart and Holy Family, and she was the first in her family to attend college, graduating from Canton ATC, before going on to get her beautician’s license.

It was at Canton ATC where she met the love of her life, Ernest “Buddy” Draper Jr., after she had been dared to attend an automotive club meeting. They married on June 10, 1978, at the St. Patrick’s Church in Brasher Falls, NY.

Lynne loved so many things about life, but there was nothing in this world that she loved more than her family and friends, especially her grandchildren who were her entire world. Whenever she was asked what she did for a living, she would proudly state that she was a mother and grandmother.

She volunteered to help with sports, musical events, and museum activities, and served as a secretary, substitute teacher, and cafeteria worker at Trinity Catholic School. She would do absolutely anything she possibly could in serving others along with supporting her children and grandchildren. She hardly missed a party, game, concert, or awards ceremony.

In her past time, Lynne loved camping and campfires throughout her entire life, especially locally at Coles Creek State Park.

Lynne also enjoyed playing cards, crocheting blankets and other gifts for her family, needlework, bowling with her mother, photographing family events, and being better known as “Grandma Red Light” to her endearing grandchildren for the light that would go off on her camera just before the photo.

Lynne wore her emotions on her sleeve, and it was never a challenge to know how she felt and how much she loved. She also enjoyed telling stories and shopping for every Christmas present she could find for her loved ones.

For Lynne, Christmas wasn’t just one day, but an event that lasted all year long, and she had the house decor, closet full of red clothing, musical library, and warehouse of wrapping paper and gift tags to prove it.

Lynne was predeceased by her parents, whom she cared for so deeply and missed so dearly, along with her infant brother, Ronald, whom her family hopes she was finally able to meet after all this time. She was also predeceased by a number of aunts, uncles, and cousins with whom she had so many beautiful memories and stories that she loved to share often.

To celebrate her life and mourn her loss, Lynne leaves behind her beloved and devoted husband of 45 years, Buddy; their adoring sons, Matthew (Erin), Andrew (Carly), and Michael; and her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin, Aaden, Allyson, Abigail and Hailey; along with her sisters and brothers-in-law, several cousins who were far more like the brothers and sisters she never had; two aunts, Leona and Connie, and so many more friends and loved ones.

Calling hours for Lynne will be held on Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 8:00 pm.

Funeral services for Lynne will be held immediately following calling hours on Friday morning, January 19, 2023, beginning at 10:00 am until the time of services with Rev. Leagon Carlin at 11:00 am at the Phillips Memorial Home, located at 64 Andrews Street in Massena, NY.

A spring burial will be held in Holy Cross Cemetery, Hopkinton, NY in the family plot at the convenience of the family.

Memorial contributions may be shared with Trinity Catholic School; 188 Main Street, Massena, New York 13662.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories, photos, and online condolence by visiting www.PhillipsMemorial.com.