Karen Backus

1945 - 2013

Karen L. Backus, 67 of Cromwell, died November 13, 2013 after a long courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Meriden to the late Joseph and Norma (Lowe) Azzolina on December 4, 1945 and graduated from Maloney High School, Class of 1964. Karen spent most of her work life in the food service and retail industries where she took pride in the service of her customers and was revered for her work ethic and fun loving personality. She always believed, however, that her most important job was insuring the happiness of her family and devoted most of her life to them. She is survived by her son Timothy Backus and his wife Caren of Southington, her daughter Amy Seppa and her husband Terry of East Hampton, daughter Shannon Carter and Jeff Balon of Virginia and five grandchildren; Alex, Cody, Aubrey, Ciara and Jarrod who were the light of her life. She is also survived by a sister, Donna Church and three nephews. She was predeceased by her daughter Melissa Backus. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to Hospice & Palliative Care Program, Middlesex Hospital, 28 Crescent St., Middletown, CT 06457. Family and friends are invited to attend a funeral service to be held on Sunday, November 17, 2013 at 5 p.m. at the John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral Home, 88 East Main Street, Meriden. Burial will be private. Relatives and friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday prior to the service from 3 to 5 p.m. For online condolences and directions please visit www.jferryfh.com.