Cora E. (Draper) Rhodes died at Winchester Hospital on Nov. 26th at the age of 71. She was born in Boston, raised in Dorchester & Mattapan and attended schools in Boston. Cora was a homemaker and a resident of Melrose the past 48 years. She enjoyed sewing & crafts and was a member of the First Baptist Church in Melrose. She was the beloved wife of the late Robert E. Rhodes. Loving mother of Pamela J. Beckford, Debra A. Connors both of Melrose, Joyce A. Marcarelli & her husband Michael of MD, and Cynthia M. Field & her husband Robert of Wilmington. Brother of Earl Draper & his wife Rose of FL. Cherished grandmother of Julie, Kip, Corrin, Crystal, Robert, Michelle, Devin and Lauren & Great grandmother of Maguire. Also survived by many relatives and close friends. A funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Wednesday Dec. 3rd at 10AM. Relatives & friends invited. Visiting hours on Tuesday 4-8PM. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Cora's memory to the charity of your choice.Burial in Puritan Lawn Memorial Park in Peabody.