Patty Ann Packer

In loving memory of Patty Packer, 82, of Fredericksburg, Virginia, who passed away on February 28, 2022.

Patty was born in Springfield, Ohio to Kenneth and Edith Dirlam. She received her Registered Nurse diploma from Springfield City Hospital School of Nursing in Springfield, Ohio. After graduating, she joined the Air Force as a nurse.

During her time of service, Patty was stationed throughout the US and in France. She traveled throughout Europe and the Middle East during this time. While serving in the U.S. Air Force in California, Captain Patty Dirlam met her husband, Captain Stuart Packer who was serving as an Air Force radar officer. They eventually settled in Richmond, Virginia, where they raised their children Jeff and Amy.

Patty worked as an RN at Memorial Hospital and Retreat Hospital in Richmond. She retired from Retreat Hospital in 1999. She was immensely proud of her profession and her 40 years of nursing experience.

When Patty was not at work, she could be found volunteering in her children’s schools, as a Cub Scout Den Leader, a Girl Scout Assistant Troop Leader, and in the stands and as a volunteer at swim meets. She was an active participant in Women’s American ORT and served as a Chapter President. She also was a telephone assurance volunteer for Jewish Family Services, helped to set up the telephone assurance program for Temple Beth-El in South Pasadena, Florida, and volunteered her time to transport congregants to medical appointments.

Patty was also known for her culinary, knitting, and gardening skills; the roses were her third child. Patty enjoyed fishing and boating with family and friends from the Chesapeake Bay to Alaska and traveling the world with her husband.

Patty is survived by son Jeffrey Packer and wife Kathy of Renton, Washington; daughter Amy Lieberman and husband Rich of Fredericksburg, Virginia; grandchildren Aaron Packer, Rachel Packer, and Jacob Lieberman; and sister Sharon Robinson of Springfield, Ohio. Patty was superseded in death by her brothers Edward and Ronald Dirlam and by her husband Stuart Packer to whom she was married for 53 years prior to his passing in November 2021.

The funeral will be held in Fredericksburg. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association <https://www.alz.org> or to a Nursing School of your choice in honor of Patty Packer.