Carol A. Draper
January 26, 1943-October 14, 2025
Published in South Bend Tribute, South Bend, Ind., online October 16, 2025:
Carol A. (Line) Draper, 82, of South Bend, Indiana passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the Ernestine M. Raclin House in Mishawaka, Indiana.
She was born on January 26, 1943 in Niles, Michigan to the late Arthur and Olive (Adams) Line.
On April 25, 1964, Carol married the love of her life, Daniel Draper, who survives. She is also survived by her son, Todd Draper of South Bend; her sister, Marvelyn Berlincourt; nieces Lisa Berlincourt, Shelley Berlincourt, and Ann Tapper (Christopher); nephew Kent Berlincourt; great-nephews Keegan and Darrian Berlincourt; and sister-in-law Judith Draper. She was preceded in death by her, sister-in-law Donna Draper, brothers-in-law, Eugene Berlincourt and Robert Draper, Jr., and niece Misty Berlincourt.
Carol had a great capacity for love and generosity, often acting as a second mother to many. Among those she held close were Patricia M. Brien of South Bend, Adam Lingerfelt (John Michael) of Seattle, Washington, and Brian Malone (Da Sun) of Santa Cruz, California.
A graduate of Niles High School (Class of 1961), Carol began her career as Assistant Treasurer at Niles Federal Savings & Loan before choosing to stay home to raise her family. Later, she worked alongside her husband as Vice President of Nationwide Janitorial Service.
Carol loved gardening and could be often found “playing in the dirt” as she called it, making her yard look beautiful for herself and others to enjoy. Music was another passion, she traveled near and far to see her favorite artists perform, particularly enjoying Bruce Springsteen concerts with her son, Todd. Above all, Carol cherished her family, both birth family and chosen family. She faced her journey with Alzheimer’s with grace and dignity, keeping her warmth and spirit alive even as her memory faded.
The family would especially like to thank The Center for Hospice staff who took care of Carol with the utmost respect and compassion.
A visitation for Carol will be held on Sunday, October 26, 2025 from 12:00 pm until 2:30 pm at Kaniewski Funeral Home in South Bend. A Celebration of Life will follow from 2:30 pm until 3:30 pm. A private burial will take place in Silverbrook Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made in Carol’s honor to The Hospice Foundation (www.foundationforhospice.org) or The Alzheimer’s Foundation (alzfnd.org).