Mary Frances “Bunny” Backe

BACKEMary Frances (nee Heaney), “Bunny”, of Gulph Mills, PA died peacefully on January 29th, 2022 at the age of 88 yrs.Unwaveringly devoted & beloved wife of Henry Anthony Backe, Sr, “Hank”, whom she met in her youth on the beaches of Ocean City, NJ. They were married for 57 years when Hank passed away in 2013.Mary Frances, born in Philadelphia, was the daughter of the late Joseph & Elizabeth (Curran) Heaney. She was the cherished mother to: Michael (Julie), Maureen, Henry (Tara), Lizanne Barone (Donald), Joseph (Lorraine), Karen O’Brien (Patrick), Kevin(Kathryn), She was heartbreakingly predeceased by her son, Louis. She was loved as “Mum Mum” to her treasured 14 grandchildren: Robert, Grace, Kalen, Strecker, Christian, Elizabeth, Ingrid, Seamus, Gigi, Malia, Charlie, Izzy, Joe & Henry, & great grandchild, Josyln. She was endeared as Aunt Bunny to several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sole sibling, Joseph. Bunny was from the era of boasting the days of long walks to school even while toting her cello through the snow. She was a graduate of St Carthage Grammar School & West Catholic HS. She earned a BA in English at Immaculata College in 1954 where she was widely engaged in numerous athletic, religious, leadership, music, social, academic & student government organizations. She was fond & appreciative of her Immaculata education & continued extensive involvement for decades post graduation. In keeping with her joy of children; she taught 2nd grade. She had a lively daring spirit, endless energy and a welcoming smile that captured the heart of Hank. They were wed in 1956. Bunny & Hank’s life was rooted in their strong Catholic faith. They were devoted members of the Mother of Divine Providence Parish and active avid supporters of Church causes and missions. Their love for their 8 children was boundless. Family holiday traditions were cherished. Birthday gifts were hidden; Easter was always “at the shore” & crab dip & champagne, while hanging the stockings she knitted, was always a special part of Christmas. Bunny was attentive to her children’s manners, proper grammar, sense of appreciation and of course nice & often matching classic outfits. She always made time to support her children’s schools taking various roles ranging from lunch lady, trip chaperone, librarian to President of the Parent Association & Mothers’ Clubs. She wasn’t much of an athlete & even won a trophy for last place bowler but, she was a vocal & enthusiastic sports fan of her children & grandchildren as well as the Philadelphia Eagles. Bunny summered in Margate, NJ & enjoyed daily sweet routines with Hank. They took early morning tandem boardwalk bike rides, swam the ocean & strolled the beach often holding hands. Later, they would savor sunset cocktails on the porch. G&T was her go to drink if the champagne wasn’t chilled thus Backe’s were famous for fun late dinners. Bunny was a long time member of the Ocean City Yacht Club. She enjoyed their many functions especially those with a band so that she could dance with Hank til the last song ended. They shared their love for sailing with their family and friends at the shore & on the Chesapeake Bay. Bunny could be seen at the helm, the bow or lounging on the boom of their sailboat, Aeolus, often cheerfully singing “On the Way to Cape May”. If there are cars in heaven, then Bunny’s would surely be a red convertible ! Bunny dearly loved her family, her friends & her community. We are grateful to the caring staff of Beaumont at Bryn Mawr Retirement for their kindness to Bunny over the last 7 years. We invite you to join Bunny’s family in the celebration of her wonderful & precious life. Relatives and friends are invited to Bunny’s Visitation Friday Morning February 11th, 2022; ( Bunny & Hank’s anniversary date) 9:30 – 10:45 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at Mother of Divine Providence Church, 333 Allendale Rd, King of Prussia, PA 19406 at 11:00 a.m. Inurnment private.