Published in the July 28, 2015 edition
WAKEFIELD — Olga C. Packard, 93, a longtime Wakefield resident, business owner and civic leader, died peacefully at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, July 19.
Born in Boston on March 23, 1922, she was the daughter of Raffaele and Adeline Cotillo.
Mrs. Packard owned and operated Packard Realty, from 1965-2011. She was actively involved in the Eastern Middlesex Association of Realtors, having served as president of the board in 1970-71 and having twice been named Realtor of the Year, in 1969-70 and 1975-76. She was also director of the Mass. Association of Realtor’s Commmercial and Investment Division, was the board secretary for five years and was a six-year member of the Connecticut Farm & Land Institute.
Mrs. Packard served as a director with the National Association of Realtors, and was chairman of the group’s National “Make America Better” Committee.
She served as a member of the Cold Spring Properties Board of Directors from the early ‘90s to present.
Mrs. Packard was president of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce in 1975. She also served for three years on an Ad Hoc Committee to the Wakefield School Committee to study and make recommendations for the Business Education Department.
Aside from her professional career, Mrs. Packard also served as a member of the Board of Directors of the School For Continuing Education at Bentley College and was an 18-year member of the Executive Board of the Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. She was a hospital trustee for 20 years and served as chairman of the hospital’s Building, Grounds and Capital Equipment Committee for four years and was presently a corporator.
In addition, Mrs. Packard served as a member of the town’s Finance Committee for 10 years.
She was a senior warden at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church and was recognized, in May, as a 2015 Volunteer of the Year by Bread of Life, a Malden-based organization that provides meals and groceries for the hungry and homeless in the area.
She was very active in the Wakefield YMCA Auxiliary.
Mrs. Packard, married 45 years to the late Arthur R. Packard, is survived by her son Kimball and his wife Neysa Packard, daughter Tobey and husband John Shepherd, sister Jennie DeAngelis of Melrose and many nieces and nephews.
She also was predeceased by her sister Elena Natola.
Burial services will be private.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 1 p.m. followed by a reception. The family will be receiving visitors Sunday, Sept. 20, 2 to 6 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 21, 4 to 8 p.m. at 51 Fairmount Ave., Wakefield.
