Marie H. Backer

Ava - Marie H. Backer, 86, of East Ava Road, widow of Warren, passed away on Thursday, February 9, 2017, at Sunset nursing and Rehabilitation Center, where she had resided since September 2012. Marie was born on November 19, 1930 in Oneonta, a daughter of John H. and Florence Merrihue Heald. In the seventh grade she moved with her family to the Bardwell Mills Road, Remsen, where she completed her education, graduating with the Class of 1948 from Remsen Central School. Following graduation Marie was employed as a telephone operator for the General Telephone Co., Boonville, until 1960. She then began her employment as a custodian at West Leyden Central School, retiring from Adirondack Central School, Boonville. On March 30, 1951, Marie was united in marriage with Warren D. Backer, at the Remsen United Methodist Church. Mrs. Backer was a longtime member of the Ava Hilltop United Methodist Church, and for 25 years was the leader of the East Ava Eager Beavers 4-H Club. Marie loved tending her flower and vegetable gardens. Marie is survived by her children: Sandra (Mike) Heath, Smithville, MO; three sons, Richard (Lisa) Backer, East Ava, David Backer, East Ava, and Steven Backer, Gilbert AZ; seven grandchildren, Josh, Luke and Tanya Heath, Kayla, Brandon, Jacob and Aidan Backer, and her sister Lillian Heald, Boonville. Besides her husband, Warren, (Baldy) she was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rachel, and her siblings John and Robert Heald, and Virginia Ringwald. Visitation hours will be Monday, February 13, from 3-7 P.M. at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville. Grave side services will be held in the spring in Ava Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Ava Hilltop United Methodist Church, or to Sunset Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 232 Academy St. Boonville, NY 13309.