Dorothy Irene Backus
Dorothy Irene Backus, 90, of Wallingford formerly of Hamden, wife of the late Donald Backus, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2013 with her family by her side. She was born in Brooklyn, NY on April 3, 1922, daughter of the late John and Harriet Beasley Wiren. Upon graduating from the St. John's Hospital School of Nursing in NYC, Dorothy proudly joined the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant during WWII and was stationed on Iwo Jima where she met her husband who was serving as a Navy Lieutenant in the Seabees. Dorothy and Donald shared 44 years or marriage and raising their cherished five children. Her long and rewarding nursing career ended when she retired from Whitney Manor. She was an active member of Spring Glen Congregational Church for many years. Dorothy will be remembered by her daughters, Nancy Grannis and her husband Lee of Bethany, Kathryn Janis and her husband, David of Wallingford and her sons, Carl Backus and his wife Michele of Wallingford and Thomas Backus and his wife Victoria of Bridgeport. She also leaves 13 grandchildren- Kate (Michael) Grannis Belton, Jennifer (Kevin Hurd) Grannis, 'Chip' Grannis, Amanda and Abigail Smith, Timothy and Kelly Backus, Benjamin, Anastasia, Mary Kate, Laura, John and Rose Backus. She was predeceased by her son Charles and her brother John Wiren and sister Thyra Griffin. Friends are invited to a Memorial Service on January 25th at 3:00 p.m. at the Masonic Chapel, 22 Masonic Ave, Wallingford. Burial will be Private. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave, Hamden in care of arrangements. Contributions in memory of Dorothy may be sent to Masonic Charity Foundation P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492.
A wonderful mother to her children and kind and caring to her extended family. Now back in the arms of her loving husband, Don. Her memory will be eternal.
I will miss you forever. I love you-please give Poppy, Chuck, Robert and my Daddy’s parents, Duby & Jeannie, a hug and a kiss for me.
Kathy, Please accept my prayers and thoughts for you and your family as you deal with your mom’s death. I’m sorry. Carolyn McNally
Kathy, We are thinking of you. Losing a parent is always a difficult experience, no matter how full a life they led. David and Maryellen
My deepest sympathy at the incredible loss. I didn’t know Dorothy, but have grown to know and love Nancy over the years. May God comfort the family with peace and love. Carla York
Carl, Michelle, Tim, and Kelly: Dot was a wonderful woman. She always said hello to me and asked how I was doing. I know you will miss her, but I also know she is with God now, one of his special angels. Love, Alice
I will always cherish my memories of the many good times we spent with Aunt Dorothy, Uncle Don and our CT cousins. Aunt Dorothy was a truly wonderful, and generous person, who will be missed by all who knew her
My deepest condolences on the departing of Mimi. She often was a saving grace for me during college. I am so glad Kate and I spent so much time with her. I feel privileged to have known her. May she rest in peace.
Carl and all family members, my condolences during this difficult time. I’m are so sorry for your loss and my deepest and heartfelt sympathies go out to all.
Carl and all the Backus families. My deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mom.
so sorry for your loss. may your memories get you through this difficult time. may GOD BLESS you all.
Nancy, So sorry to hear about your mom. Thinking of you and your family at this difficult time. With sympathy, Jenn O’Connor
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Dorothy Backus. I knew her as the mom of my friend nancy and I had the pleasure of working with her at Whitney Manor in Hamden when I was a student, and then took care of her several times when I was working at Masonic health center.