Obituary of Monica Packer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Monica Mary (Murphy) Packer, beloved mother of 5, grandmother of 14, great-grandmother of 8, sister, and friend, on June 15, 2023

Monica was born to Irish immigrant parents, Thomas and Catherine Murphy on April 23, 1939. Monica was a 1957 Graduate of Manchester High School.  Monica worked for over 40 years as the church secretary at the Talcottville Congregational Church in Vernon, until her retirement in 2021.  

Monica loved her walks around the neighborhood, taking her nightly swim in summer months, and could always be found with a cup of tea in hand, and a spare tea bag in her purse, a true Irish woman.  Monica’s greatest joy in life was being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother.  Known to her grandchildren as “Grammy” or “Pumpa”, Monica’s house was the grandchild activity hub.  From sleepovers with multiple grandchildren, to epic backyard kickball games, to summer night bonfires and movie nights, Grammy’s house was the place to be.  She enjoyed hosting birthday parties, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners, or just a few of the grandkids popping in for lunch or dinner.  

Monica was immensely proud of her Irish heritage, and always had a story to tell. She loved taking pictures and compiling scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren. Monica embraced her Catholic faith, and especially enjoyed going to noontime masses, followed by a “free” lunch. 

Monica is survived by her sister, Veronica Murphy; her children, daughter and son-in-law Monica and Bill Peyman, son and daughter-in-law Albert and Jane Packer, son Chris Packer and Lori Shortt, daughter Michele Packer, and son and daughter-in-law Mark and Carrie Packer.  Monica is also survived by her grandchildren Sean Peyman and wife Kristina, Phoebe Packer and husband Matt Steulett, Max, Hannah and Quinn Packer, Christopher Packer-McCarthy and wife, Ngan, Morgan Smith and husband Johnny, Alanna and Brianna Packer-McCarthy, Matt and Miles Krob, and Ellie, Jacob and Thomas Packer.  She is also survived by her great-grandchildren Arlen, Nolen and Adaline Peyman, Johnny and Nicholas Smith, and Cian, Cina and Cira Packer-McCarthy. Monica also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Besides her parents, Monica was predeceased by her brothers Thomas, Sean and Desmond Murphy and her sister, Eileen Greenwood.

A funeral service and celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, June 20 at 11am, at Talcottville Congregational Church, 10 Elm Hill Road, Vernon-Rockville, CT.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Monica’s name to the charity of one’s choosing.