In Memoriam: Donna Packer

Donna Packer passed away on December 1, 2015 following a long battle with cancer. Donna was an integral part of Western Libraries at Western Washington University for 28 years, serving in a variety of significant leadership roles from 1981 until she retired in 2009.

During those years, she worked as head of various library units, including acquisitions, serials, circulation, reserves, interlibrary loan, and cataloging. She was also the librarian for the College of Business and Economics and retired as Head of Technical Services.

Donna brought a new and valuable business perspectives to the library during a time when budgetary instability was just beginning to impact the University and Western Libraries. Donna was well-respected both within the Libraries and throughout the University, and had a reputation for being smart, professional, and passionately committed to her work.

Associate Dean of Libraries Andrea Peterson recalled working very productively with Donna during a time of significant change in the profession.

“I always felt that we engaged intellectually and professionally in ways that added depth and understanding to our decisions. I had such a deep respect for her ability to engage in dialogue passionately while maintaining her professionalism, respect, and relationships in that process,” Peterson said.

Donna’s contributions to Western Libraries were many, and her hard work and dedication created a strong foundation that remains as part of the Libraries today. Western Libraries employees are deeply grateful to Donna for all that she gave to the Libraries, to her profession, and to Western.