Patricia A. Draper

Apr. 14, 1938 - Sept. 24, 2017

SOUTH BEND - Patricia Ann (Pate) Draper of South Bend, IN passed away on Sunday, September 24, 2017 at the age of 79. She was born April 14, 1938 in Benton Harbor, MI to the late John and Violet (Von Sar) Pate. Her parents moved the family to South Bend when she was 2 years of age, and she lived there until her death.

Pat was a 1956 graduate of James Whitcomb Riley High School. During her senior year she attended the Patrician Modeling School and Agency. Pat soon became one of South Bend's top fashion models. She also did photo shoots and television commercials for the Studebaker Corporation. Pat taught modeling while perusing her modeling career. She served as Vice-President and Treasurer of the Professional Models Club, a group of local models that put on fashion shows for the women's clubs in the Michiana area sponsored by local merchants. Later in her life, she spent seven years working for the Kroger Company as the lead of the floral department, where she retired in 2004.

Pat is survived by her daughter, Cindy (Matt) Holderbaum, four wonderful grandchildren, Amber, Ashley, Andrew and Alex and great grandson, Sylas Brugh.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 29, 2017 at the Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St., South Bend, IN. Graveside services and burial will follow at Southlawn Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the services. Contributions in memory of Pat Draper may be offered to the family at Palmer Funeral Home-Guisinger Chapel, 3718 S. Michigan St. South Bend, IN 46614.