Janet M. Draper

Janet M. Draper

March 27, 1952 ~ October 13, 2025

Jan M. Draper passed away suddenly on October 13, 2025, at the age of 73. She was born and raised in Southwest Philadelphia but lived most of her life in South Jersey.

Jan was the beloved daughter of the late Alton W. Draper and Margaret T. Calabresse. She was also preceded in death by her brother, the late Alton Draper, Jr.

Although not a mother to children of her own, Jan was a devoted aunt to many of her closest friends’ children—each of whom loved her dearly and will miss her deeply.

Jan was a proud graduate of John Bartram High School. Upon graduation, she immediately began her working career, holding several jobs before finding the one she truly loved with the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company. She spent over 35 years with the company, working at their Blackwood, NJ and Aston, PA locations before finishing her career and retiring from their Philadelphia office in 2012.

Of all the things in life, Jan was an animal lover at heart. She often said she wished she had become a veterinarian. Her greatest passion was for horses—she trained them, showed them, and rode them. At one time, she owned six horses and competed as a rodeo barrel racer, earning an impressive collection of ribbons and medals for her dedication and skill.

Her love for animals extended far beyond horses. Throughout her life, Jan cared for many dogs, and her most recent companion was her cherished cat, “Rascal.”

Jan will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace and reunited with her loved ones who have gone before her.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Monday, October 20, 2025, beginning at 9:30 AM at St. George Catholic Church, 2700 E. Venango St., Philadelphia, PA 19134. Her Funeral Mass will follow at 10:30 AM. Interment will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield, PA 19064.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jan’s memory may be made to ACCT Philly, 111 W. Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19140, or Horse Angels Rescue, 1250 Thornbury Rd., West Chester, PA 19382.