Merton Mourns Former Mayoress

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Sheila Draper raised thousands for charities

Merton Council is mourning the loss of former Mayoress, Sheila Draper, who died on Wednesday February 2.

Sheila (pictured right) was a dedicated mayoral consort, giving support to her husband Councillor Nick Draper during his 2009-2010 mayoralty.

A funeral will be held for mother-of-three Mrs Draper at 10am on Tuesday February 15 at St. Joseph 's Catholic Church in Colliers Wood High Street. A cremation service will follow at Garth Road Crematorium.  

There will be a reception to celebrate Sheila's life at Colliers Wood Community Centre in the High Street.

Mrs Draper's family has requested there be no flowers but would welcome donations to The Charge Trust (c/o 12 Wellington Road, London, W5 4UH). Sheila founded the Trust, which offers family support for those affected by Charge Syndrome, a condition affecting her son Gregory. More information about the Trust can be found at www.chargesyndrome.org.uk.

Mayor of Merton, Councillor Oonagh Moulton said: "Sheila's death was a shock to many of us.  She will be missed by her colleagues and friends from across the council. Her dedication to her work for the borough during Councillor Draper's mayoralty led to thousands of pounds being raised to benefit charities in Merton. The organisation she set up herself to help families affected by Charge Syndrome has also been of immense support to a lot of people."

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: "I feel privileged to have known Sheila. She was someone in whose company it was always a pleasure to be. Generous-spirited and caring, Sheila brought a sense of well-being to everyone she came into contact with. Even though she had been seriously ill, she never let this get in the way of the huge amount of work she did for others."

February 11, 2011