Lois M. Packard left us and joined her husband, Bud, on a sunny day on May 22, 2023. Lois was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on July 15, 1931, to Ralph and Helen (Jordon) MacKay. The family moved just a few miles down the street into Holden where she grew up. She was a cheerleader at Holden High School when she met and fell in love with Bud. They were married on September 29, 1951, and ultimately raised their own family in Holden; three boys David, Bruce, and Ronald. Lois participated in her sons’ activities including being a Cub Scout Den Mother. She helped support her family as the executive secretary to the Administrator of Holden Hospital for many years – long before “working women” were common.

Lois lived through many physical challenges which she accepted as part of her life. She and Bud bought a small weekend and vacation home in Rumney, NH as a place to get away and enjoy the outdoors. Lois and Bud were able to retire there in 1985 and lived out their lives surrounded by nature. In retirement, Bud and Lois enjoyed traveling on cruises and by bus. But when they were home, they especially enjoyed boating on Newfound and other lakes in the area. Lois had lovely flower and vegetable gardens and couldn’t wait for spring to come again every year. As much as her gardens, she loved her birds – especially the hummingbirds – that came to the feeders right outside her windows. She disliked the squirrels and took delight in being able to foil them from getting to the sunflower seeds. But she would also spread seed on the deck so that they and the chipmunks had something to eat. At 91, she was still driving to the Plymouth Senior Center twice a week – weather permitting – where she greatly enjoyed exercising and socializing with her friends.

After 60 years of marriage, Lois was predeceased by Bud in May 2011. She leaves her family members David and wife Patricia Packard, Bruce and wife Lisa Packard, and Ronald and wife Kim Packard. Grandchildren Brian Packard and wife Jess, twins Alexis and Tyler Packard, and Matthew Packard; great-grandchildren Kara and Cole Packard.

Family and friends are invited to visit with Lois’s family from 12:30 pm to 2:00 pm on Thursday, June 1, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden, followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, 217 Richards Avenue, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.