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Anne Maj Christine Björklöf Draper Dailey March 12th, 1946-April 9th, 2021. Anne Maj passed away April 9th, 2021 at Ocala Regional Medical Center with her husband, Ed Dailey, and son, Mark Draper, by her side. Anne Maj was born on March 12th, 1946 in Turku, Finland to Aimo and Lea Björklöf. After spending her early years in Turku, she graduated in 1966 from Salo Lyseo, in Salo, Finland. In 1966 she traveled on the Queen Elizabeth II ocean liner arriving in New York where her father was living. She stayed in the state and went on to study modern languages at Hobart and William Smith Colleges, graduating in 1969. After graduation she worked as a translator for Swedish-American Lines in New York City where her knowledge of Europe and multi-lingual fluency in English, Finnish, French, German, and Swedish were in great demand. She met and married Kenneth Draper while living in the United States and welcomed his children (Deborah, Jacqueline, and William) into her heart and home. In 1976 the true light and love of her life arrived, her son Mark Erik Draper. They lived in Rochester, New York before moving to Florida in 1976. She went on to build a long and successful career working for the State of Florida Department of Children and Families. She became the head of her department; demonstrating a work ethic grounded in showing her care and commitment to the improvement of the lives of everyone around her. She is survived by her husband of 10 years, Ed Dailey; her son Mark and wife Courtney (children Logan and Jack); cherished family members Deborah, Jacqueline, Billy (and all their families); sister Eva and husband Randall; brother Erkki; sister Gail and husband Mark; sister Charla; many nieces and nephews and their children; many extended family members in Finland; and her beloved dog Erin. She was preceded in death by her first husband Kenneth Draper, her brother Kaj Björklöf, and her parents Aimo and Lea Björklöf. Anne-Maj lived a full and joyful life. She brought laughter and love to family and friends around the world. After retirement she was able to spend time traveling home to Finland where she spent time with her mother Lea (before her passing), family, as well as friends from her youth. Her grandchildren Logan and Jack were her pride and joy and she never hesitated to share stories and photos of their accomplishments as well as the holidays and events they participated in as a family. While she shared many tangible gifts with family and friends (knitting, crocheting, quilting, books, beautiful crafts, and Finnish treats) what will be cherished in our hearts is her spirit of deep love and caring for each and every one in her family.

Tributes

Anne Maj Christine Björklöf Draper Dailey

March 12, 1946 - April 9, 2021