Vicki Backus, 58, died November 24, 2008, at Hanover Terrace
Healthcare in New Hampshire after suffering a long illness. She was
surrounded by her family.
Vicki was born November 29, 1954, in Lebanon, NH, the daughter of
Robert and Lucille (Twist) McCoy. She graduated from Hartford High
School and attended Vermont Community College in Montpelier.
Although she was born with spina bifida, it never held her back. As an
infant it was a struggle just to survive. Then as a child she wanted to
walk without the aid of crutches. She vowed to walk, unaided, for her
graduation -- and she did!
She worked as a secretary until she married Denis Backus July 27, 1980.
Then she started her new life as the wife and partner of an independent
truck driver. They traveled all over the United States.
Vicki always wanted to be a mom. The doctors were afraid her health
would not allow that. Again, Vicki proved them wrong. She had their
first son, Kenneth; then less than two years later had their second
son, Justin. Her husband and children were her "pride and joy."
She was past president of the American Legion Auxiliary and past
secretary of VFW auxiliary of the Vermont Veterans Council serving
about 10 years.
She is survived by her husband, Denis Backus; two sons, Kenneth and
Justin of White River; her parents, Robert McCoy of Wilder and Lucille
McCoy of Rutland; four grandchildren; and five sisters, Gail McCoy, Jan
L. Taylor, Phyllis McCoy-Jacien, Michelle S. Basham and Susie McCoy.
A graveside service was held Wednesday, December 3, 2008, at the
Veteran's Cemetery in Randolph Center. Memorial contributions may be
made to the Spina Bifida Foundation of Vermont or the Kidney Foundation
of Vermont.
