Marie Estelle Backus, 81, of Joslin Hill Road, Waitsfield, passed away at her home following a long illness on Friday, September 29, 2006, surrounded by her family and friends. She was born in St. Albans, Maine, on October 2, 1924, the daughter of the late Merle and Methyl Helen (Parkman) Johnson.
On June 1, 1947, Marie married Kenneth Backus in South Duxbury. Mr. Backus passed away on February 19, 2004. They resided in Waitsfield where Marie was a homemaker and provided child care in her home. Her hobbies and interests included stamp collecting, crocheting and chair caning. She loved children, flowers and gardening.
She is survived by three children, Denis Backus and his wife, Vickie, of White River Jct. and their sons, Kenneth and Justin; Helen Bell and her husband, Michael, of Waterbury; and Richard Backus of Fayston and his daughters, April and Katrina; four great-grandchildren; a sister, Thirma Blethen of Augusta, ME; three brothers, Joseph Maurice Johnson and his wife, Lois, of Belfast, ME, Everett Johnson and his wife, Rita, of Enfield, CT, and Arnold Johnson and his wife, Terri, of Barefoot Bay, FL; as well as nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by a brother, Lewis Ivan Johnson, and a sister, Evelyn Candage.
The family would like to give special recognition and thanks to Lois Richardson, Ruth Pestle, Dody Moriarty, Dorla Leone, Dr. Ospina and the special nurses.
A graveside service was held from the South Duxbury Cemetery on Wednesday, October 4, at 11 a.m. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice, 600 Granger Road, Barre, VT 05641. Arrangements are in the care of the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
