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Popular teacher Patsy Draper dies shortly after diagnosis of brain cancer

A popular teacher who dedicated 34 years to educating generations of youngsters in Deal has died.

Patsy Draper, formerly of Church Path, died on Thursday, February 4, aged 68, shortly after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer.

Her long-spanning career started after she graduated from Bath Women’s College, and she taught at schools in Bristol before moving with her family to Deal in 1980.

Patsy Draper taught generations of students in Deal
Patsy Draper taught generations of students in Deal

Mrs Draper became well respected in the area and enjoyed teaching stints at Parochial School, Eythorne and Elvington Primary School, Deal Secondary and South Deal.

She then went on to become a tutor for the Specialist Teaching Service all over east Kent. By the time she retired in October 2014, she recalled working with two generations of the same family.

The only time she broke away from teaching was when she had her own children.

Mrs Draper lived in Church Path, Deal. Picture: Google
Mrs Draper lived in Church Path, Deal. Picture: Google

Daughter Abigail Draper, 38, told the Mercury her mother had a passion for ensuring every child she taught had the opportunity to achieve their potential despite their circumstances.

She said: “Many people who are former pupils or parents still often stop me and ask: ‘are you Mrs Draper’s daughter?’”

'Many people who are former pupils or parents still often stop me and ask: ‘are you Mrs Draper’s daughter?’ - Abigail Draper

She hopes to arrange fundraising events in the future to raise awareness of the cancer and the need for earlier detection.

The funeral will be held at St Leonard’s Church in Rectory Road on Thursday, February 25, at 10.30am followed by a short service at Barham Crematorium.

People will be invited back to St Leonard’s Hall for refreshments.

The family has decided that donations, if wished, can be made in Mrs Draper’s memory to the Brain Cancer Charity UK or Shine Trust, a charity that creates educational programmes to help disadvantaged youngsters.

Patsy pictured speaking to pupils in Cambodia
Patsy pictured speaking to pupils in Cambodia

Miss Draper said: “Past colleagues, pupils, parents and friends are all welcomed to remember and celebrate her life with us.”

She left her husband of 45 years Robert, 69, and her children Benjamin, 40, and Abigail, 38.

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