Doris Louise Packard

Doris Louise Converse Heath-Packard fell asleep in Christ Jesus, Saturday, November 18, 2023 at the age of 86. She was born in 1936 to Rudolph and Jessie Converse and grew up in Holderness, attended New England School of Theology in Massachusetts, then lived in Wolfeboro, NH until the late 1980's and raised 6 children with her former husband, Lawrence Heath, pastor of the Advent Christian Church of Wolfeboro and also Water Village Community Church. She later lived in Lincolnville, ME for many years with her late husband, Paul Packard, before returning to Wolfeboro in 2021.
She is survived by her 5 sons, Martin, Eric, Dale, Philip, and Juan Heath, and daughter Camilla Wachsmuth, as well as14 grand-children, and 10 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by one foster child, Mark Glidden, and one grandchild, Caleb LaPointe.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Doris' Life at the Water Village Community Church, 370 Water Village Rd, Ossipee, on Saturday, the 25th, at 11am, followed immediately afterward by informal food and fellowship at her daughter, Camilla Wachsmuth's home, 62 Hemlock Dr, Wolfeboro.
Doris was an accomplished vocalist, pianist, organist, accordionist, recordist, serving many churches well into her 80's, and teacher to countless persons, young and not-so-young, of all these musical skills. She led church cantatas at Easter, Christmas, and Patriotic holidays, led groups Christmas caroling, playing her accordion, bringing the joy of Jesus' birth to neighborhoods and nursing homes.
She was a Sunday School Teacher and Director, and Youth Group leader, Vacation Bible School leader, and occasional planner of neighborhood Halloween Walks to see who Dared and who Scared!
Doris loved people, young and old, and helped many who had no means to repay her kindness, but that never mattered. She found joy in serving and seeing their lives improved and enriched.
Doris brought her children up with a love of the outdoors, hiking mountains often, camping out, visiting lakes and swimming, biking, playing games of all kinds. She was a prankster, and we all knew that April Fools Day meant you better check that lunchtime sandwich or drink closely! The lessons we learned from Mom have made us all richer and happier and kinder, and we love her for being who she was! Above all other things we learned from her, we learned that Jesus Loves Us ALL, and our response to Him matters MOST!
The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, cards or notes sharing any memories of Doris or expressions of how her life impacted you may be sent to the family care of Camilla Wachsmuth, address listed above, and/or memorial donations may be made to Water Village Community Church, 370 Water Village Rd, Ossipee, NH, 03864
The Baker-Gagne Funeral Homes of Wolfeboro and West Ossipee are assisting the family with the arrangements.
To view an online memorial, leave a message of condolences or for more information go to: www.baker-gagnefuneralhomes.com