Bernice K. Backon

WESTPORT, Conn. - Bernice K. Backon, 78, passed away peacefully Sunday, July 3, 2011, atMid-State Medical Center in Meriden, Conn.

She had lived at the Alzheimer's Resource Center of Connecticut in Plantsville, Conn.

"Bea,"as she was known, was predeceased by her husband, Mitchell Backon, in 1999.

Bea was born Feb. 3, 1933, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of the late Sauland Rose (Wiese) Katz.

Bernice is survived by her son Joel Backon of Wallingford, Conn., and grandsonJacob; daughter Abbi Bruce of Cheshire, Conn., and granddaughter Sara; son MarcBackon of Westport, Conn., his wife, Lois, and granddaughters Mia and Julia; nieceAlayne Katz of Irvington, N.Y.; and nephew Steven Katzof East Northport, N.Y.

She was predeceased by her brother, Emanuel Katz, and sister, Myrna Katz.

Bernice was a loving mother, grandmother and daughter, and an accomplished career woman in many different disciplines: a special education teacher, a leader for many nonprofit Jewish organizations, the president of the local League of Women Voters in Concord and the first female president of Temple Beth Jacob in Concord. Prior to her retirement she was the executive director for Women's League for Israel in New York City.

A graveside service was held yesterday at 11 a.m.at Mount Ararat Cemetery in North Lindenhurst, N.Y.

There were no calling hours.

The family will sit Shiva today from 3 to 9 p.m. at 227 N. Elm St., Wallingford, Conn., and tomorrow from 6 to 9 p.m. at 85 Quarry Village Road, Cheshire, Conn.All Shiva services will begin at 7 p.m.

Memorial donations maybe made to Alzheimer's Association , 2911 Dixwell Ave., Hamden, Conn. 06518;or to Congregation Kol Ami, 1484 Highland Ave., Cheshire, Conn. 06410.

Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 S. MainSt., is in charge of arrangements.

To view arrangements online, send a condolence, or light a memorial candle,visit aldersonfuneralhomes.com.