Karen J. Backus
June 13, 1963 - January 8, 2020Karen J. Backus, 56, of Trumbull, CT and longtime resident of Westport, CT passed away at her home on January 8, 2020.
Karen was born in Stamford, CT on June 13, 1963 and was the daughter of David and Sophie (Uzar) Bender. She graduated from Hadley-Luzerne High School in Lake Luzerne, NY and then went on to receive her Bachelor's Degree from Cortland State College. Karen worked for the YMCA for many years. She spent 30 years as a YMCA Profession Director, starting as an Aquatic Director at the Wilton Family YMCA in 1987 and was the former Executive Director of the Fairfield YMCA. She spent 8 years as a girls Youth Basketball Coach for the Westport Recreation Department. Karen was a avid competitive softball player as a member if the Slate Rock softball team winning 10 Town of Westport Coed Championships and 2 ASA Connecticut State Championships
Survivors include one son: John Edward Backus III "Tripp" of Westport, CT, one daughter: Jillian Backus of Westport, CT, her mother, Sophie Bender, one brother David Bender of Guilford, CT, one sister: Toni Riola and her husband Ralph of Silverdale, WA, and two nieces: Gabrielle Riola of WA and Michaela Russell of Branford, CT, one nephew: Noah Bender of Ansonia, CT. She was pre deceased by her Father, David W. Bender and one brother: Keith M. Bender.
Friends are invited to attend a funeral on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. meeting directly at Assumption Church, 98 Riverside Ave., Westport for a Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home 210 Post Road East, Westport, CT on Friday January 17, 2020 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com.

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Published by Stamford Advocate & The Hour on Jan. 14, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Karen Backus

Sponsored by Harding Funeral Home.

13 Entries

Ceil Harrigan

January 8, 2025

Can´t believe it´s already 4 yrs.

Barbara Kozicki Leydon

January 8, 2022

Dear Family, I new Karen since her birth and was saddened to read about her passing.Worked with Sophie and Dave in the "sweet shoppe!" in Darien ct. David please call me.With sincere sympathy, Barbara

Barbara Leydon

January 10, 2021

Dear Family, Nothing can ease the heartache of losing Karen but hope the time will ease the pain in your hearts.Thinking of you all with love and sympathy. Dave PLEASE call me.

Dale Malloy

January 17, 2020

Dear Mrs. Bender, Toni and David,

I was saddened to read of Karen's passing as well as learn of Keith's death last month. My thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. I remember the twins as babies/toddlers as we were going through our "middle " school years (5th-8th) at Holy Name. I think our classmates were in awe of how much Karen resembled Toni and Keith so much like David. I'm sure we dubbed them Little Toni and David. (Karen's picture is what drew me to read the obituary.)

I remember them as sweet,always smiling and happy and on the few occasions that I was at your house on Hillcrest Ave ...energetic! Although we were already out of Holy Name when they were going through H.N. I remember them being in my mother's second grade as I used to help her out on occasion. I found their 2nd grade class picture dated 1970-71. How cute they were!

My deepest sympathies to you and your families and the Backus family.
Dale Malloy

Paul Cal

January 17, 2020

Karen's passing grieves me, and I extend my condolences to her family. All of Karen's K-8 Holy Name classmates valued her friendship and warmth, admiring her intelligence and athleticism. She was a friend to all of us, always demonstrating a warm heart and fun-loving spirit.
We will miss her greatly. Gone far too soon. We lament.
May the Good Lord welcome her with open arms into Paradise and comfort her family here on earth.

Dale Malloy

January 17, 2020

Dear Mrs.Bender, Toni and David,

I was saddened to read of Karen's passing and also learning of Keith's passing last month. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Although they were babies/toddlers when we were going through Holy Name I do remember their wonderful personalities ,smiles and exuberance. I remember them being active when I was at your house on Hillcrest Ave on a few occasions. I remember them being in my mother's 2nd grade class and found their class photo dating 1970-71. My deepest sympathies.

Dale Malloy

ALICIA Koziol-VASILOPOULOS

January 15, 2020

Dear Friends and Family,My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time for such a tremendous and untimely loss of a beautiful soul.I remember Karen's bright, brave and dignified spirit from way back when as classmates at Holy Name(we are standing next to each other in the 8th grade picture).I always admired her and am saddened by her passing, and for your loss. Please accept my sincere and deepest sympathies.May God bless you with peace and serenity,Alicia Koziol-Vasilopoulos

Whispering Love Arrangement - BASKET INCLUDED

ALICIA VASILOPOULOS

Sent Flowers

Karen your light will keep always shine

Ceil Harrigan

January 15, 2020

My sincere condolences to the Bender & Backus families. Hugs and prayers to all.
Karen's light will keep shining.
To Tripp and Jillian:
Mothers hold their children's hands for just a little while, but their ❤ forever.
Irish Proverb

Barbara leydon

January 15, 2020

My deepest sympathy to the whole family,lifelong friends with the Benders since Darien. The beautiful smile of Karens will brighten up the heavens.Mear words can not state the sadness. Fondly, Barbara

Gail Meaney

January 14, 2020

May you rest in peace Karen.
My deepest condolences Tripp and Jillian. May the Lord guide you in this time of sorrow.

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