Sandra A. (Jacobson) Packard

HOLDEN – Sandra A. (Jacobson) Packard, 73, of Fairchild Drive, a lifelong resident of Holden, died peacefully in her home on Wednesday, September 12, 2012.

She leaves her husband of 32 years, Stephen J. Packard, Sr.; two sons, Richard F. McElhiney, Jr. of South Yarmouth and Sean M. McElhiney of Richmond, New Hampshire: a daughter, Sandra L. Vitale of Wall, New Jersey; a step-son, Stephen J. Packard, Jr. of Malden; a nephew, Mark Rayworth of Hubbardston; 6 grandchildren; and 2 great-grandchildren. A sister, Helen L. Travers, predeceased her in 2004. She was born and raised in Holden, daughter of the late Albert E. and Agnes A. (Carlson) Jacobson.

A member of the first sophomore graduating class from Wachusett Regional High School in 1958, she graduated cum laude from Clark University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts in 1987. Sandra last worked as a drug and alcohol counselor at AdCare in Worcester. A recovering addict, Sandra was 31 years sober.

Sandra loved the time she spent with her husband and family in New Ipswich, NH, and summers on Cape Cod and Nantucket. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and bragging about her children and grandchildren. Sandra was a long time active member of the First Congregational Church of Holden where she was a member of the choir, a deacon and a youth group leader. She collected cows – boy did she collect cows!

Sandra’s family would like to thank the Holden Police Department and EMTs for their care and compassion during their many visits to her home.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family for a calling hour from 2 to 3 p.m. followed by a memorial service at 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 15, at the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street (Rte. 122A), Holden. Burial will be private at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Donations may be made to the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606.

To share a memory or offer a condolence visit www.milesfuneralhome.com