Elizabeth "Bess" Packard

Elizabeth Achsah “Bess” Gillmer Packard married James Ward Packard in Warren, Ohio on August 31, 1904 at the age of 33. The couple spent their honeymoon in Lakewood, New York on the shores of Chautauqua Lake. They also visited Panama Rocks in Chautauqua County, a scenic park known for towering rocks, deep crevices, passageways, and small caves hidden in an ancient, moss-covered forest.

Bess was a graduate of Vassar College, taught for a time, and devoted her time to volunteer work at the Warren Library. She and James were considered to be well matched on an intellectual level, sharing a love of the library and the intellectual pursuits it allowed them to follow.

Although they started their life together in Warren, Lakewood became their lifelong home in 1905, and the village became a central focus of Bess’s philanthropic efforts. Together with her husband, Bess made donations to the local school, town, and Methodist Church. The Packard's donation to the church made possible the purchase of a set of carillon bells.

Bess stayed involved in village life after James’ passing in 1928, and she remained in their Lakewood home until her death in 1960. She was actively involved with the Lakeview School Board and saw the creation of scholarships for high school students as well as helping privately support individuals in need as they pursued higher education. During James’ life, the family donated land for sports teams to play on what would be known as Packard Field. After his passing, Bess provided a monetary gift to the Southwestern Central School District.

Village residents remember Bess Packard for her kindness and generosity, recalling fond memories of Bess giving out treats to children on Halloween through the 1950’s.