Gertrude E. Packard

Gertrude Packard passed away peacefully August 19, 2025 in St. Petersburg Florida.

Trudy was born on November 27, 1919 (Thanksgiving Day) in Asheville North Carolina to Issac and Anne Swartzberg. She had three older brothers (Dan, Milton and Bob). Her brothers had a profound impact on her upbringing and developement. They provided support and guidance after her father died when she was nine.

She married Emanuel (Manny) Packard at the end of World War II - they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage.

She was a wonderful daugher, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Trudy believed in service to her community. She served as President of Charlotte (NC) Temple Beth-El Sisterhood and was on the executive board of the Charlotte Girl Scouts. She was actively involved with fundraising for Alzheimer's after her beloved Manny struggled with the disease. She was always finding ways to bring people together.

She lived a life full of hiking and gardening, horseback riding, golf, bridge and puppies. But most important, a life full of many close friendships. She took Ralph Waldo Emerson's passage to heart- 'Live well-learn plenty-laugh often-love much'. It seems fitting that she was born on Thanksgiving Day - Trudy certainly had a thankful heart.

Trudy is survived by her children; William Packard (Lola), Patti Novack (Irwin), six grandchildren Paige, Kim, Mark, Sarah, Rachel, Aaron;  and several great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Graveside service will be 12:00pm Thursday, August 21, 2025 at the Hebrew Cemetery, 1801 Statesville Avenue, Charlotte North Carolina with Cantor Elias Roochvarg, officiating.

Heritage Funeral Care, David and Steven Gross Directors, are serving the family.