Marcella was orphaned at an early age and was raised at the Ephphteta School for the Deaf. It was there, within a community shaped by perseverance and understanding, that she met John, who was also a student at the Deaf school. They were married in 1945 at Our Lady of the Holy Family Church, beginning a devoted partnership that would span a lifetime.
After their marriage, Marcella and John made their home in Waukegan, Illinois, where she dedicated herself to her family as a homemaker and mother. She also worked briefly at Abbott Labs in North Chicago in the Packaging Department, bringing the same steady commitment to her work that she brought to all parts of her life.
Marcella found quiet joy in simple, meaningful pursuits. She liked to draw, color, and paint, and she enjoyed watching old movies, as well as cooking and home and garden TV shows. She cherished nature and animals, especially dogs, and her appreciation for the world around her was reflected in the gentle interests that filled her days.
Marcella is survived by her sons, Dennis (Monica) Backis and Peter (Diane) Backis.
Marcella was preceded in death by her loving husband of 69 years, John P. Backis; twin sons who passed shortly after their birth; her sisters, Yarmila, Mildred, and Viola; her brother, Eugene; her brothers-in-law, Joseph and Jerry Backis; and her sister-in-law, Stella Freund.
Her love and support will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
The family wishes to thank Resthaven Maple Woods and Faith Hospice for the wonderful care they had given to Marcel
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