Karen Draper

Karen Draper, 78
1947 - 2025
MARBLEHEAD - Karen passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025 at the Pilgrim Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center in Peabody, MA after a long struggle resulting from a traumatic brain injury she suffered in July of 2022.
Born in Jasper, Alabama, Karen spent her childhood in Cordova and Homewood, Alabama before moving north as a young adult. After briefly living in New York City, she moved to the North Shore, first settling in Newburyport and later in Marblehead and Salem. In March of 1979, Karen married Howard L. Graves, Jr.
Karen and Howard raised their beautiful daughter, Ashley, in Marblehead. Ashley was the center of Karen's life. Karen volunteered at Ashley's school, took her to after-school activities, and played host to her friends. On holidays, Karen's dear friends Deborah and Tom were included in the family circle.
Karen worked as a flight attendant for Eastern Airlines from 1967 until 1989, where she was universally respected and loved by the other attendants, pilots, and passengers. Everyone wanted to work with her because of her kindness, energy, and sense of fun. She made lifelong friends at Eastern, including her friendships with Joyce and Sally. Karen loved to travel and she made the most of her airline privileges during those years, flying all over the world. When Eastern Airlines was sold, Karen began her second career working in retail. She loved her years at Appleseed's in Marblehead, and later at Potpourri Designs. Her warm personality and wonderful sense of style made her a valued employee.
Karen was passionate about animals. Her first dog, Bridget, was a Cairn terrier. After Bridget came Callie, her calico cat. Karen later adopted Mollie, her beloved Goldendoodle, who brought her years of happiness. She loved taking long walks with Mollie on the trails in Salem and Marblehead.
Karen was active in sports throughout her life. She loved golfing with her dear friends Barbara and Bobbie. She skied, played tennis, and in later years took up pickleball. Walking was another favorite activity. Karen walked five miles every day for 35 years with her friend, Beth. She did this even through chemotherapy treatments, often setting out at 5:30AM. These walks were especially memorable during the five years when Karen's friend, Norma, was able to join. Karen will be greatly missed by these and her other friends, Betty and Susan, who have years of happy memories to treasure.
Karen was a devoted member of Old North Church in Marblehead since 1982 where she volunteered for many years as a Sunday School teacher. She participated in several civic activities including the Junior League, Junior Aid Society, and the Silverliners Club, a philanthropic organization of flight attendants supporting communities through charitable work.
Karen was pre-deceased by her parents, Woodrow and Mary Carolyn (Hood) Draper. She leaves her husband Howard, and her daughter Ashley Graves. She is also survived by her sister, Laura (and Dan) Bowlin, and her sister-in-law, Diane (and Paul) Bates. She leaves behind many loving friends. Her family and friends are very grateful for the compassionate care she received at the end of her life from her nurses, aides, and hospice workers.
Service Information: A celebration of Karen's life will be held at a later date. Donations in Karen's name can be made to the MSPCA, and Compassionate Care Hospice of Woburn. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Karen's family.