PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Virginia Mary Berkenbush Packard, 91, died August 12, 2018, at the Aroostook House of Comfort. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA on May 13, 1927, to Charles and Virginia (Pfaff) Berkenbush.
On June 8, 1946, she married Edwin Packard. They came to Presque Isle for “one summer” so Dad could pitch for the local Indian baseball team. They remained there for 63 years of marriage, although in Mom’s heart, she was always from Glenfield, PA. She enjoyed spending the winter in her home in Sebastian, FL for 37 years.
Virginia was happiest surrounded by her family and often said, “It is so nice we can all be together.” She lovingly gifted shared her homemade gifts with the special people in her life. Clothing, knitted sweaters, cross stitched decorations are among the various crafts we all treasure.
Mom attended St. Mary’s Church where she taught CCD, was a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Church Council. She was a member of the Daughters of Isabella serving as Regent, Beta Sigma Phi, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Virginia enjoyed walking, bowling, playing golf, and bridge. She was proud to have worked at the Presque Isle Board of Registration of voters for over 50 years.
Virginia was predeceased by her parents, her stepfather, Joseph Kridle; brothers-in-law, Tom Kelley, Dana Packard and wife, Almira; sister-in-law, Dottie Murphy and husband, Fred; cousins and nieces; and her husband, Edwin in 2009. She is survived by her sister, Gloria Kelley; two daughters, Judy Kenney and husband, Maylen and Gloria Sirois and husband, Lewis; four grandchildren, Mark Kenney and partner, Nicole, Stacey Peterson and husband, Leif, Michael Sirois and wife, Meghan, Kathleen Morse and husband, John; eight grandchildren, Eva and Eli Garrant, Emily and Joshua Peterson, Bryson and Maisie Sirois, Kylie and Katelyn Morse; several nieces and nephews; and friends, Roberta, Christina, Nick, William, and Josh.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Friday, Aug. 31, 2018, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Presque Isle with Rev. Nehru Stephen Savayaria as celebrant. Friends may visit from 9 a.m. until the service. Committal will be at the Northern Maine Veterans’ Cemetery following the reception. To honor Virginia, all are invited to wear something pink.
Many thanks to the staff of Aroostook House of Comfort, Leisure Gardens, TAMC, and MH Rehab, for their exceptional care and compassion for Mom and her family. Special thanks to Rev. Nehru Stephen Savayaria for the love he has shown Mom, and our St. Mary family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to the Aroostook House of Comfort, PO Box 867, Presque Isle, ME 04769 or St. Mary’s Catholic Church Endowment Fund, 6 Roberts St., Presque Isle, ME 04769.
