Mary Lou Backes

Mary Lou Backes, 80 (ish), passed away peacefully Saturday surrounded by love and family. Mary Lou was born to parents Marie and Lawrence Rebman on August 19, 1932. She married Cyril John Backes on November 22, 1952. Together Mary Lou and Cyril raised their four children, Nancy, Cynthia, Mary and Stephen, in several Wisconsin towns before settling in Allouez in 1968. Mary Lou was dedicated to her family and friends, always giving of herself and spreading love and joy. She loved her family deeply, bragging about the accomplishments of her grandchildren to anyone who would listen, and traveling around the country to visit children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, siblings and more. She brought the family together any chance she got, bringing smiles and laughs to everyone in the room. A fighter until the end, Mary Lou battled cancer with grit, a bright attitude and her sense of humor intact. Mary Lou is survived by husband Cyril, daughters Nancy (Greg) Thome, Cynthia (David) Olsen and Mary (Peter) Utic and son Stephen (Debra) Backes as well as a gaggle of grandchildren by birth and marriage and 11 greatgrandchildren. She is also survived by siblings, Helen Garrity, Robert (Jean) Rebman, Sam (Claire) Rebman, Hubert (Luann) Rebman and sisters-in-law Carol Rebman and Pat Rebman. She was preceded in death by siblings, Rodger (Lola) Rebman, Bill Rebman, Kathleen (Elmer) Krahn, Tom Rebman, Jerry Rebman, and a gaggle of nieces nephews. The funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 13 at 11:00 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church in Allouez (333 Hilltop Drive). Visitation will be open beforehand beginning at 9:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Catholic Relief Services (www.crs.org). Cotter Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family. The family would like to thank the doctors and medical staff at UW Madison (6th Floor), St. Vincent Hospital (9th Floor), and Green Bay Oncology. They also extend thanks to Unity Hospice staff and caregivers.

Reception:
Resurrection Catholic Church
333 Hilltop Drive
Green Bay, WI