Gloria Barbara Packer

Gloria Barbara Packer, age 82, of Spring Valley, New York, passed away on Monday, February 8, 2021. Gloria was born on July 30, 1938 in Bronx, New York. She is survived by her three children, Leslie, Bruce and Jamie, her daughters-in-law, Moia and Alison, and her six grandchildren, Jeremy, Benjamin, Emily, Rebecca, Charlotte and Joshua.

Gloria graduated High School in the Bronx and worked as a legal secretary before marrying Bernard Packer (“Bernie”) on May 29, 1961. Over her nearly 60 years of marriage to Bernie until his death on January 6, 2021, Gloria not only raised her own three children, but also virtually raised her three nieces, Melissa Hutt, Rachel Hutt Barbas and Amanda Hutt, while her sister, Goldie Hutt, pursued her career in teaching.

Gloria spent most of her life creating a wonderful home for her husband and children while being the primary caregiver not only for her immediate family, but also for her three nieces and for her sister Goldie when she was taken ill and moved in with Gloria and Bernie during her final years.

Throughout her life, Gloria also found plenty of time to indulge in her love for Broadway by going to several shows each year. She also took pleasure in watching classic movies and enjoying videos with her granddaughters featuring movie icons like Shirley Temple. Gloria was also an avid reader, whether it be a suspenseful Agatha Christie mystery, a history of the Bronx where she grew up or a good Jewish cookbook. She was also an amazing writer of poetry and prose. Her letters to her children and grandchildren always were written with an elegant touch and sure to bring a smile and/or tear.

Gloria was always and entirely about family. She leaves a lasting legacy as the Matriarch of our family. We will lead our lives by her example that family always comes first. As long as we live, Gloria too shall live for she is now a part of us as we remember her. Her memory will always remain a blessing to us all.