Obituary of Carol Louise Packard

Carol Louise Packard died unexpectedly on April 13, 2020. Born May 22, 1931, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, she was preceded in death by her parents Leonard and Beatrice Peterson and her brother John (Margaret) Peterson. Carol spent her summer days in Minneapolis walking to her Aunt Esthers house and swimming in Lake Harriet. Carol started college at Winona Teachers College and later graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in art education in 1952. Carol married Jim Packard (deceased) on October 22, 1954 and they eventually settled in Ann Arbor in 1963. Besides raising four children, Carol and Jim ran pottery and woodworking businesses out of their home, feverishly preparing each summer for the Ann Arbor Summer Arts Festival and other arts festivals throughout Michigan. Later, as a second career, Carol started selling real estate with Coldwell Banker. She found her rhythm helping family and friends find houses throughout Washtenaw County and thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people. Carol married Thornton W. Zeigler II (deceased) in 1986, becoming an integral member of his family. Together, they created fond memories of summer trips to Camp Michigania and celebrating the milestones of his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carol and Thornton had many good years together until his death in 2004. Carol was a long-time member of St. Clares Episcopal church where she was a regular at the 8 am service, member of the Altar Guild and a Lay Eucharistic Minister. When she was no longer able to drive, St. Clares brought church to Carol in the form of small group meetings and Bible studies. Carols small-group meetings were important events for her, and her fellow group members meant the world to her. Carol is survived by her four children: Stuart (Barbara), Bloomfield Township; David (Karen), Merrimack, NH; Patsy Lidgard(Todd), Ann Arbor; and Don (Maria Murphy), Ann Arbor; 7 grandchildren, Sarah Packard, Saline; Brian (Sherry) Packard, Rindge, New Hampshire; Jonathan (Maggie) Lidgard, Plymouth; Stephen (Jennifer) Lidgard, Dexter, and Emma, Maggie and Luke Packard, Ann arbor. Carol took great pride and joy in meeting her 4 great-grandchildren Evelyn, Liv, Samantha, and Emerson. The family would like to share their heartfelt appreciation for the staff at Atria Park of Ann Arbor for their compassionate and loving care of their Mom. A Celebration of LIfe will take place at a later date.