Linda Kay Packard

Linda Kay Summers Packard passed away on March 27, 2025, due to complications related to dementia. Her husband, Michael John Packard predeceased her. She is survived by son Christopher Hiluard Packard, of Manassas, Virginia; daughter Katherine Summers Packard, of Sterling, Virginia; sister Elizabeth Ann (Summers) Schwabeland, of Greensboro, North Carolina, and many wonderful nieces, nephews and cousins.

Kay was born in Indianapolis on November 24, 1943, to the late Cecil and Viola Summers; she was the youngest of their three daughters. Her father’s sales career brought the family to live in Indiana, Pittsburgh and Florida. She attended what is now Pfeiffer University in North Carolina for her bachelor’s degree in education before earning two master’s degrees in specialized education at the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and Duke University.

It was at Duke that she met the love of her life, Mike, and they married in 1976. Son Chris was born in Durham in 1978, then daughter Katie followed in 1980 when they moved to Northern Virginia. Kay was a devoted educator in several Virginia school systems, teaching special and gifted education to students with learning differences and intellectual disabilities.

Kay possessed a quiet inner strength and a strong moral compass that led her to always do the right thing. She spent her retirement years active at her church, Messiah United Methodist. There she served as liturgist, joining Bible studies and women’s groups, and making meals and driving to medical appointments those in need. She was a generous supporter of many charities and nonprofits. She enjoyed participating in food and clothing drives, purchasing gifts for children in need at the holidays, and was usually one of the first people to raise her hand when someone needed help. She believed strongly in the power of gratitude and in keeping a gratitude journal.

Kay loved her garden, the smell of lavender, and sparkly things. Friends and strangers alike often stopped her to admire her hot pink sequined Betsey Johnson handbag.

Her children will remember how she always stood on the front stoop to wave goodbye as they drove away, no matter the weather or how old they became.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kay's name are encouraged at the charity of the donor’s choice.