Frances Packard
Frances Packard passed away on the morning of July 9, 2016 at the Willows of Meadow Branch, with her family at her side.

Frances was born in Winchester, Virginia in 1926. She was the daughter of Katherine and James Pappas. She attended Winchester City schools and graduated from John Handley High School in 1945. Frances attended Shenandoah College in Dayton, Virginia and the Ray-Vogue School of Interior Design in Chicago, Illinois where she met her beloved husband of 58 years, Don Packard. Don and Frances were married in 1948 in Clayton, New Mexico and moved to Winchester to build their life together.

Frances was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Don; a daughter, Catherine Dunn; and her siblings, Billie Manion, Mary Coffinberger, Johnny Pappas, and Pete Pappas.

Frances is survived by her loving children; Don Packard, Jr. and his wife, Pat; Barbie Dudley and her husband, Andy; and Robin Northrup and her husband, Chris. Frances had twelve adoring grandchildren and nine great grandchildren; Chris Dunn, wife Leslie, and children Brandon and Samantha; Brian Packard, wife Sydney, and children Rider, J.D., Trey, Lila, and Annie; Michael Packard, wife Betsy, and their son Patrick; William Packard, wife Lacy, and their children Emily and Everett; Amanda Packard Goodrich, husband Sean, and their daughter Mackenzie; Andrew and Matthew Dudley; Emily Dudley Bowman, husband Jacob; and Christopher, Thomas, James, and Patrick Northrup.

Frances was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church in Winchester, and her relationship with the church community was deeply important and meaningful to her. Like her father who owned the Metropolitan Restaurant, she was a fabulous cook, and one of the many ways she expressed her love of family and friends was through her cooking and hospitality for family gatherings—all made special by her presence. Being with family was where she found her greatest joy in life. In the company of others, whether a close friend or someone experiencing her for the first time, Frances’ generous spirit shined in a smile that lit up her entire being. Frances brought joy into the lives of everyone she touched. Her kindness, generosity, and genuine love of her family, friends, and everyone she knew, are her legacy.

In her last years, Frances lived with Alzheimer’s disease. Although her mind failed her at times, through the compassion and love of the caregivers at the Willows, Frances’ light continued to shine. In those final months and weeks, caregivers from Blue Ridge Hospice held Frances and her family as she made her way home. Frances’ family is eternally grateful to each of you!

There will be a visitation at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel from 6:00 – 8:00 pm on Wednesday, July 13th.

A funeral service will be held at St. Paul’s on-the-Hill Episcopal Church, 1527 Senseny Road, in Winchester at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 14th. Burial at Mt. Hebron Cemetery will follow the funeral.

Frances had a wonderful relationship with Blue Ridge Hospice, and because of her love of children, she was supportive of Winchester Day Preschool and the Henry and William Evans Home. In lieu of flowers, donations to these organizations would honor her.

Please view obituary and tribute wall at www.ompsfuneralhome.com