Prudence Angela Backlin

1930 - 2025

Prudence "Prue" Angela Backlin, 95, of Hudson, Ohio, formerly of Keokuk, passed away Sunday, Aug. 24, 2025, at Hudson Grande in Hudson.

She was born April 17, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois, the daughter of Dominick and Lena Fascilla Albergo.

She graduated from Northwestern University with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, earning her masters degree in education.

In 1958, Prue was united in marriage with Francis James Backlin in Chicago. He preceded her in death on Sept. 6, 1986.

Prue dedicated her life to education and service. She began her teaching career as a French teacher at Evanston High School in 1951, later serving as a substitute teacher at several schools, including Volta, Haugen, Kozminski, Steinmetz, G.W. Carver, Keokuk High School, and St. Vincent Catholic School. From 1979 to 1992, she taught at the Lee County Disabled Home, and she continued to share her love of learning as an instructor for the GED program and French enrichment classes at Southeastern Community College until 2014.

Beyond the classroom, Prue was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of the Newcomers Club, St. Vincent's PTO, Keokuk Community Fine Arts Council, League of Women Voters, and the American Association of University Women. She served as a trustee for the Keokuk Public Library for 10 years and as a board member of the Keokuk Mental Health Center for seven years. Prue also lent her talents to the Keokuk Aquatic Center Planning Committee, the Great River Players for over 25 years, and was a faithful member of the St. Mary's and All Saints' choirs. She shared her faith as a Rite of Christian Initiation instructor and fostered fellowship as the founder of the Needlework Club.

Prue's generosity of spirit extended to countless volunteer efforts. She served as publicity chair for the Miss Keokuk Scholarship Pageant, was a volunteer reading tutor in the Keokuk public schools, and gave her time as a teacher to handicapped students at Southeastern Community College for nine years. For over 30 years, she devoted herself to Birthright, and she cherished her role in community traditions such as the Keokuk City of Christmas and the Festival of Arts.

Prue had a wide range of interests and hobbies that reflected her curious mind and creative spirit. She enjoyed listening to opera, knitting, playing tennis, baking, and spending time with a good book. She rarely missed an episode of Jeopardy and always kept a keen interest in politics. Gifted with languages, she also spoke German, and she had a lifelong love of studying science and education.

She is survived by one son, James Backlin and his wife Lisa of Hudson, Ohio; one daughter Ellen Backlin of Chicago; two grandsons, William Backlin and Benjamin Backlin, both of Hudson; and beloved niece and nephews, John, Lisa and Patrick Albergo.

Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents and one brother, Patrick Albergo.

A Mass of Christian burial will be at 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1 at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk, with the Rev, Hai Dinh officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk.

Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 31, 2025 at Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, with family meeting with friends at that time.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com.