June Purcell, cofounder of the Purcell Family of America, has passed away
June Packer Purcell, who together with her husband Todd founded the Purcell Family of America in 1972, passed away on Monday, June 8th. Genealogy was June's lifelong passion, and we are honored to continue the work she so deeply cared about.
June's obituary follows below.
On June 8, 2020, our beloved mother and grandmother, at age 92, peacefully returned to her heavenly home and to her waiting husband of 63 earthly years. Eva June Packer was born on April 10, 1928 in Arco, Idaho to Ray and Areva Packer. She grew up in the Teton Basin area of Idaho. After graduating from Driggs High School in 1946, she moved to Portland, Oregon to attend business school. She later attended BYU.
June married Todd Purcell on December 21, 1948 in the Idaho Falls Temple. They they have five children: Margie Christensen (Casey), LaJean Carruth (Brent), Arthur L. Purcell (Beth), T. Robert Purcell (Heather), and Dianne Wayment (Kelly).
They lived in Logan, Utah, Montpelier, Idaho, Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, Yakima and Kennewick, Washington, Portland, Oregon and eventfully settled in Salt Lake City in 1972. June’s life was a life of great love and service. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in numerous callings throughout her life. She and Todd served together as missionaries in the Salt Lake City Inner City Project Mission from 1998 to 2000.
June was a dedicated genealogist. Nearly 50 years ago, she and Todd started the Purcell Family of America genealogical association and it continues today, helping thousands of people in their family history research.
June loved her family. She always put the welfare of her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren before her own. Her life was full of sincere love, compassion, and service. She leaves a wonderful legacy of this love and service to five children, 24 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren, and friends and neighbors who knew her.
