Prudence Angela "Prue" Backlin

Prudence "Prue" Angela Backlin, 95, of Hudson, OH formerly of Keokuk, IA passed away Sunday, August 24, 2025 at Hudson Grande in Hudson, OH. She was born April 17, 1930 in Chicago, IL 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 to Francis James Backlin in Chicago, IL. He preceded her in death on September 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 ten 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 twenty-five 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 thirty 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, OH, one daughter, Ellen Backlin of Chicago, IL and two grandsons, William Backlin and Benjamin Backlin both of Hudson, OH, beloved niece and nephews, John, Lisa and Patrick Albergo. Besides her husband, she was also preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Patrick Albergo. A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, September 1, 2025 at All Saints Catholic Church in Keokuk with Father Hai Dinh officiating. Burial will be in the Oakland Cemetery in Keokuk. Visitation will be held from 6-8 p.m., Sunday, August 31, 2025 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with family meeting with friends at that time. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society.