Rosemary E. Backus of Jenkintown

Rosemary E. Backus (nee Skelly) of Jenkintown, PA and Ocean City, NJ passed away on Saturday December 15, 2018 at the age of 89. Beloved wife of John “Jack” Backus (dec. March 2015) and loving mother of John Jr. (Ann Marie), Lisabeth “Betse” (Joe) Karas, Susan (Paul) Crowley, and Patricia “Patti” (Jerry) Fiore. Adored by her grandchildren Megan, Kevin (Melissa), Katelyn Backus, Peter (Nicole) Karas, Ellen (Greg) Reed, Ryan, Conor, Lauren Crowley, Catherine “Catie”, Michael, Matthew Fiore, in addition to many nieces and nephews and her cherished great-grandchildren Brayden and Natalie Backus. Survived by her sister Jo Anne (John) Dougherty and her brothers Daniel (Rita) and William (Mary Lou) Skelly. Preceded in death by her parents Daniel and Agnes Skelly and her brother Rev. Msgr. Richard Skelly.

Rosemary was born and raised in Norristown, PA, attended Mount Saint Joseph Academy and earned her Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. Rosemary spent the majority of her time raising her children, participating in St. Hilary Parish activities, enjoying her friends with her various bridge groups, and traveling extensively with her family and with Jack in their retirement years. She especially enjoyed spending the summers spoiling her grandchildren in Ocean City N.J.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Friday December 28th from 10AM-11AM at St. Hilary of Poitier Church (920 Susquehanna Rd., Rydal, PA 19046), followed by a Mass of Celebration at 11AM. Interment will be at Washington Crossing National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to Mount Saint Joseph Academy, (120 W Wissahickon Ave., Flourtown PA 19031) or St. Hilary of Poitier Parish.