Phyllis O. Backofen

Phyllis Olive (Skrabacz) Backofen, 100, of Newington, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, October 24, 2024. She was the beloved wife of the late Ernest P. Backofen. Born and raised in Manchester, daughter of the late Karol and Agnes (Pietras) Skrabacz, she was a Newington resident for over 70 years. Phyllis was a faithful communicant of Grace Episcopal Church and was actively involved in the parish for many years. After graduating from Manchester High School with Honors in 1942, she was employed as a stenographer and secretary with several local businesses until her retirement in 1997. Phyllis also served as a Girl Scout leader, Sunday School teacher and volunteer at the Newington Senior Center Gift Shop. She enjoyed sewing, knitting, embroidery and reading and was a big fan of UConn Women's basketball as well as the WNBA. A loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she leaves her son Bruce Backofen, her grandchildren, Matthew Ramos and his wife Beth, Douglas Ramos and his wife Ingrid, and four great grandchildren, Jillian Ramos, Kora Zurek, Lynnzee Zurek, and Peter Ramos. She also leaves many nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and her parents, she was predeceased by her daughter Janis Wetmore, her daughter-in-law Denise Backofen, her sisters Stella Johnston, Olive Recave and Clara Dubaldo, as well as her brother Edward. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, November 9th at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 124 Maple Hill Ave., Newington 06111. The Duksa Family Funeral Homes at Newington Memorial, 20 Bonair Ave, Newington, is serving her family. Memorial donations may be made to the church in her memory. To share a memory with her family, please visit us at www.duksa.net.