Evelyn Backman

Evelyn Backman passed away on October 13, 2010 at age 79 after a long illness. Evelyn May Reis was born on May 15, 1931 to Tony and Cassie in Arcata where she lived most her life. Evelyn attended Arcata High School and married in 1948 becoming Evelyn Barcelles. Evelyn, sons, husband Frank, and parents, Manuel and Mary lived in the Arcata Bottoms until 1958 when the Barcelles family moved to Sacramento county where they owned and operated a 90-acre dairy farm. Evelyn enjoyed country living, being a homemaker, and raising her three children in this environment. In 1982, she relocated to Arcata after meeting Axel Backman and remarried spending the rest of her life as Evelyn Backman. In 2008, Evelyn was diagnosed with advanced carcinoid cancer. Evelyn cherished her family ties. Moving back to Arcata allowed her to spend many years near her parents and four siblings, Sylvina Moore, Edna Conti, Mary Lindstrom, and Tony Reis. She had seven grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Evelyn loved cooking and baking for her family and friends especially during the holidays. She was a gracious hostess and her Christmas parties were a big hit each year. She enjoyed spending time nurturing her backyard flower garden and traveling with her husband to South Dakota, Oregon, Washington, and Missouri to visit family there. She was fond of cards, playing her favorite card games and sending greeting cards for all occasions to family and friends. For many years, Evelyn was a member of the Blue Lake Dance Club where she expressed her creativity for costumed theme events. She will be remembered for her impersonation of Dolly Parton as well as other characters she dressed up like. Evelyn's lighthearted sense of humor delighted others. Her friendly disposition and positive nature was inspiring to be around. Her sweet and charming manner left a lasting impression with all her knew her. She was a member of the McKinleyville Baptist Church and appreciated her church family of friends. She was loved by many who will deeply miss her. Evelyn is survived by her husband, Axel Backman; children and their spouses, Frank and Kim Barcelles, Bob and Patti Barcelles, Debbie Barcelles and fianc‚ Franklin Stover; step-children and their spouses, Ken and Kathy Backman, Mike and Deb Backman, Mark and Susie Backman; her brother, sisters and their families; sister-in-law Betty Silva; and many relatives and friends too numerous to mention. Evelyn is preceded in death by her parents and half-brother, Leo Silva. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial honoring Evelyn's life on October 30 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Azalea Hall, 1620 Picket Road, McKinleyville. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation made to the American Cancer Society, or charity of choice. Please sign the guest book at www.Times-Standard.com, click obits.