Obituary of Dorothy E. Packard

Rotterdam-Dorothy Elaine Packard (nee Grogan) was born in Utica, NY September 8, 1918 and joined her Heavenly Father February 2, 2021. She is survived by her children - Thomas (Joyce) of Syracuse, NY, Carolyn Johnson of Schenectady, and Steven (Barbara) of Grapevine, TX, grandchildren -Sarah (Jordan) Dees and Andrew Packard both of Texas, and Christina Packard of Tully, NY, five great grandchildren - Aidan, Gresham, Owen, Jonathan, and Janie Dees - and Roman the hound dog, and Sasha the cat. Her parents were Arthur Brinkley Grogan and Minnie (Winter) Grogan. Dorothy had to be born at home because of the Great Flu Pandemic raging at the time. She was a graduate of Simmons College with a degree in business. Dorothy and her future husband, David Snell Packard, were both employed at General Electric in 1940, however, they met at Union Presbyterian Church, Schenectady. She was predeceased by her husband, David (married 63 years) in 2007, continuing as a member of Union Presbyterian for 70 years until it closed. Dorothy then switched membership to the Coblestone Reformed Church of Rotterdam. She was convinced that the two great pandemics would be bookends to her life. It was not until a couple of months ago at age 102 -1/2 that she came down with COVID, from which she then recovered. She was actively involved with the church - serving as a deacon, a member of the Women’s Association and of Church Women United – and a volunteer aide at Ellis Hospital. She enjoyed raising her family. She enjoyed outdoor gardening although she did manage to get an indoor cactus to die for lack of water. The family wishes to express appreciation to the Kingsway Arms Nursing Center for the loving care Mom received the past five years. Donations may be sent to the Kingsway activities department or any charity of your choice. A memorial service for her is being planned for the Cobblestone Church, Rotterdam at a future date. Arrangements are by Jones Funeral Home, Inc., 1503 Union Street, Schenectady, NY. To leave a condolence for the family, please visit www.jonesfh.net.