Mary Anne Keyrouse Packer Of Sag Harbor Dies January 22

Mary Anne Keyrouse Packer of Sag Harbor died on January 22. She was 77.

She spent her last days at home resting comfortably surrounded by her loving family, her family said.

Ms. Packer was born on May 10, 1943 in Nyack, to her parents Madeline and Joseph Keyrouse Jr. She was married to her high school sweetheart and husband of 59 years, John James Packer.

She was an amazing mother, her family said, noting that she treasured her three girls, and especially loved her role as Mema and GiGi to her five grandchildren and great-granddaughter Eloise. She embraced every moment with them, her family said.

Ms. Packer grew up in Nanuet, New York, where as a young adult she worked with her father in the family pharmacy mixing milkshakes at the soda counter and delivering prescriptions to their customers. She graduated from Nyack High School, where she met the love of her life, John. The couple started their life together in Rockland County, and then built a home in Bethel, Connecticut, where they raised their family before moving to Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, and retiring in Sag Harbor.

While living in Pennsylvania, Ms. Packer had a career as a bond specialist at AON Risk Management. Her office was situated outside of Hershey Park, which she often frequented with family and friends.

Ms. Packer was passionate about both international and domestic traveling. She sailed the BVI’s on three separate occasions and traveled with her husband to Japan, China, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Mexico, St. John, Aruba, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda, to name a few.

Most recently, she loved telling stories of her travels to Italy, Greece and Ireland. She also frequented Florida and California visiting family and friends. Ms. Packer also enjoyed going into New York City with her family to see Broadway shows and eating dinner at her favorite restaurant, Carmine’s.

Her outgoing and pleasant personality was contagious, her family said, and she was extremely loyal to those lucky to call her friend. During the summer months, Ms. Packer could be found on her beloved Long Beach, where she had spent her childhood summers collecting jingle shells. She loved socializing with her “beach family,” sipping margaritas, passing out Twizzlers and was always the perfect hostess to many weekend visitors, her family said.

She was predeceased by her sister Kathleen Keyrouse Murray.

She is survived by her children, Lori Packer Galanis, Kim Packer Gioia (Paul Gioia) and Alyssa Packer; her grandchildren, Nicholas Gioia, Samuel Gioia (Jacqueline Gioia), Benjamin Gioia, Madeline Galanis, Daniel Gioia; and her great-granddaughter Eloise Gioia; her siblings, Patricia Keyrouse Manzo (Richard Manzo), Joseph Keyrouse III, Nancy Keyrouse Berich (Donald Berich); many nieces and nephews.

As a result of the pandemic, a Mass in her honor will take place later this year in Sag Harbor.

Ms. Packer’s family would like to express their gratitude to East End Hospice and its staff for the dignity, compassion and care she received during her final days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the hospice at www.eeh.org.