Rita (DeGolyer) Draper Mozeleski was raised in Arthurdale, WV. She was one of 13 children (2 adopted), born to Clarence O. DeGolyer and Elnora C. (Eisenman) DeGolyer. She was preceded in death by her parents; two beloved husbands, William A. Draper and Richard Mozeleski; her son Patrick; her brothers, Henry DeGolyer, Clarence DeGolyer, Bert DeGolyer, Richard DeGolyer and Mickey DeGolyer; her sisters, Iona Taitt, Margaret Wainwright, Patty Hatfield, Eleanor Harvey, and Zella Hawkins. She is survived by her brother, Dan DeGolyer and his wife, Joanne of DE and her sister, Martha Jane Stauffer.
She began her career as a telephone operator in Wilmington, DE and taught 6th grade at St. Thomas School 1960-61. In 1968 she began teaching the second grade at St. Ann’s School. She completed over 35 years in Catholic education teaching 2nd grade, 3rd grade and ending her career as the librarian.
She is survived by her son, William J. Draper and his wife, Barbara; her daughter, Rita Crowley and her husband, George; her beloved grandchildren, William Draper (Brandi), Elizabeth Bielicki (Richard), Robert Draper, James Crowley (Erin) and Rita Crowley. She had a special place in her heart for her great-grandchildren, Tristan Bielicki, Evan Bielicki, Beatrice Draper, Milo Draper, Finnegan Draper, Gavyn Draper, Collin Draper, Liam Crowley and Kiera Crowley. She is also survived by a large extended family of nieces, nephews and their descendants.
Rita loved spending time with family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Rita loved to read to all her children and her favorite holiday was Christmas. She took pride in her organizational skills and neatness.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at St. Ann’s Church, Gilpin Avenue and N. Union Street, Wilmington on Wednesday, July 14 at 11:00AM. Interment will take place at Cathedral Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Arthurdale Heritage Inc., P.O. Box 850, Arthurdale, West Virginia 26520 or online at https://arthurdaleheritage.org/donate/
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