Nina Arleen Packman
BETHESDA - Nina Packman of Bethesda, Maryland, longtime resident of Oklahoma City, died on January 27, 2023. She was born in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Abraham and Katherine Josel. She graduated from Girls High School in Philadelphia and then received her BA from the University of Pennsylvania.
She married her high school sweetheart, Rabbi A. David Packman, in 1960 and moved to Cincinnati with him while he attended seminary. She accompanied him during his various pulpits and responsibilities, starting with his service as the
Jewish chaplain at Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany.
When they returned to the United States, she received a Masters of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She was a compassionate professional and was a role model and mentor in her field throughout her life, working with children and families in crisis and for at least 25 years as a hospice social worker, which she considered her true calling. She was associated with Mercy Hospice for most of her hospice career and was recognized as a Pillar of Mercy in 2005. Nina also volunteered for many years as a chairman of a Post Adjudication Review Board (PARB), entrusted to observe judicial decisions regarding children under the guardianship of the state.
The Packmans were partners in service. She was a beloved Rebbetzin, (rabbi’s wife), a title that brought her pride and joy. She attended services and greeted everybody afterwards, and was another source of connection and comfort to the congregants. Their first full-time congregation was Temple Sinai in Newport News, Virginia where they lived from 1969 to 1976. In 1976, they began their service to Temple B’nai Israel in Oklahoma City, where they planted seeds of learning, lovingkindness, and righteousness. Nina was a devoted past president of the Temple Sisterhood.
Nina and David moved to Bethesda, Maryland in 2017 in order to be closer to family as they both faced health challenges. They reconnected with friends and family members all over the East Coast and relished this time. Nina enjoyed walking with friends, seeing her children and grandchildren and the various programs at Temple Emanuel of Kensington, Maryland.
Nina was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. She embodied generosity and kindness. Her happiest moments were those shared with extended family.
She is survived by her beloved children Keren Alpert (married to Ted), Kenan Packman (married to Steve Quinn) and Jana Greenblatt (married to Mark). She was also the proud grandmother of Margot, Lucille, and Alexandra Alpert as well as Micah and Levi Greenblatt. She is also survived by in-laws Carol Josel, Dr. Gerald and Dr. Linda Packman as well as nieces Gavi Kestenbaum, Beth Weinman and nephew Joshua Packman and their families. She was predeceased by her brothers Myron and Alan Josel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the A. David Packman Endowment fund at Temple B’nai Israel.
Burial will take place at Temple B’nai Israel Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. and a Memorial Service will be held 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 2, 2023 at Temple B’nai Israel.