Janabelle Gatechair Packard

1947 - 2024

Janabelle Gatechair Packard passed away on July 14, 2024, in Winter Haven, Florida, at age 76 following a brief illness. She was born on December 12, 1947, in New Orleans, LA, to the late Annabelle Goodyear and Earsking Gatechair. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lawrence Packard; two daughters, Shana Naquin (Blaine) and Penelope Packard; and four grandchildren, Crystal Gaudet (George), Blaine Naquin Jr., David Moreau, and James Amacker. She also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Cadence Gaudet and Alexander Gaudet. Additionally, she is survived by her brother Joseph Gatechair (Jenny), 1 niece, four nephews, and four great-nephews. She was preceded in death by her brother Earsking Gatechair Jr. and her great-grandson Benjamin Gaudet. Jan graduated from Chalmette High School in 1965, where she met her future husband in the school library. They were married on July 14, 1966 in New Orleans. She worked for St. Bernard Bank and Trust for 31 years and retired as Vice President and Auditor. Jan's life was truly a journey from tent camping with her Girl Scout Troop to five-star hotels. She became fascinated with the West and snow and her favorite place was Yellowstone National Park in the winter. Since Hurricane Katrina she and her artist husband have lived full-time in a motorhome traveling across the country doing art shows. She enjoyed the Casinos along the way and big or small she hit at them all. She enjoyed genealogy and the on the road lifestyle provided the opportunity to discover family history; from a grandfather that fought in the Battle of New Orleans to one that died in the Civil War. Interment will be at the Southeastern Veterans Cemetery in Slidell, Louisiana at 10 a.m. on August 5th. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her name to the National Parks at https//give.nationalparks.org.