Joan Rita (Dougherty) Packer

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Joan Rita Packer (née Dougherty), of Wayne, PA, who left us peacefully on May 10th, 2025 after a nearly 14-year courageous battle with metastatic lung cancer. She was surrounded by her loving family, whose unwavering support was a testament to the love she embodied throughout her life.

Joan, who was affectionately known as Chip, was born on February 15th, 1954 in Philadelphia and was raised in Glenside, PA. She was the fourth of ten siblings who shared a bond that shaped her into the strong, resilient woman we remember today. Her ability to face life’s challenges with grace and determination was incredibly inspiring, especially in the years she fought cancer. Chip overcame numerous setbacks with her health, showing us what true strength and perseverance look like. Her journey, though difficult, was driven by an enduring hope and love for her family.

Chip’s greatest joy came from the time spent with her loved ones, sharing laughter and creating lasting memories. She is survived by her parents, Henry and Joan Dougherty of Glenside, PA; her devoted husband James "Herb" Packer; her two children, Meghan (Matthew) Heath and Kevin (Liza) Packer; her four cherished grandchildren, Mason and Lillian Packer and Nora and Owen Heath; and her nine siblings, Joseph (Kathleen) Dougherty, Rosemary (Thomas Cuce) Merrigan, Michael (Betsy) Dougherty, Margaret (Charles) Paul, Agnes (Stephen Michel) Cochrane, Kathleen (Michael) Donlevie, Ruth (Frederick) Lynch, David (Janice) Dougherty, and Matthew (Kim) Dougherty. Chip is also survived by her sister-in-law, Ellen (Stephen) Woodworth and many beloved nieces and nephews. 

Chip was passionate about the simple pleasures in life. She found peace in watching the hummingbirds from the breakfast table and tending to her flowers. Her garden was a reflection of her nurturing spirit, where she lovingly tended to each plant with the same care she gave to those around her. Chip enjoyed reading and had a deep love for a variety of music. Some of her happiest moments throughout her life were spent singing with her family.

Growing up, Chip spent her summers in Ocean City, NJ, where she developed a lifelong love for the beach. She had a special connection with the ocean and enjoyed bodysurfing with her family. In her later years, she continued going to the shore in Brielle, NJ and found peace by the ocean watching the waves. 

Chip also had an unwavering loyalty to her favorite team, the Philadelphia Phillies, and loved watching their games with her family, celebrating their victories and moments of hope.

Chip's legacy will live on through her family, her spirit and the many lives she touched with her kindness and courage. Her strength in the face of adversity will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Lung Association in Chip's memory.

Please join us in celebrating Joan's life on Monday, May 19, 2025 at St. Katharine of Siena Church, 104 S. Aberdeen Ave. Wayne, PA. Visitation will begin at 9:30am. Mass will be celebrated at 11:00am. Interment will be private, at a later date.