Marilyn Palomba Draper, animal lover, community volunteer

Marilyn Palomba Draper, 86, of Slaughter Beach, passed away Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, in Lewes. Marilyn was born in New Brunswick, N.J., daughter of the late Enrico Thomas and Anne (Jucknowicz) Palomba. She grew up in South River, N.J., and was a member of South River High School Class of 1956. Marilyn entered University of Delaware and graduated in 1960, earning a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Upon graduation, Marilyn returned home to South River, where she taught fourth grade. In June of 1961, she married Frank Saxon Draper of Milford. The newlyweds resided in Milford and began a family in 1962. By late 1964, Marilyn and Frank had two 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 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 were 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 Milford Garden Club, Milford Historical Society, Milford Hospital Fair Committee, St. John’s Catholic Church and parish board, member, past president, and show chairman of the Mispillion Kennel Club, and taught dog obedience for 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 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; four 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 noon, Monday, Dec. 23, at St. John The Apostle Catholic Church, 506 Seabury Ave., Milford, where friends may call at 11 a.m. in St John’s Parish Hall. Burial will be private.