Christine Backus

Christine Mahan Backus passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend on January 24, 2009, following complications from surgery. She was born on August 14, 1924 in Warren County, Kentucky to Thomas and Lucille Cherry Mahan, both of whom died before Christine was 12. After living in a series of foster homes and orphanages, she was taken in by Maurice and Jeanette Smith of Sellersburg, Indiana who became her de facto parents. She was preceded in death by her sister, Marguerite Lenhart of Madera, California, her sister-in-law Jeannette Gustafson of LaPorte, and her husband of 56 years, Walter J. Backus. A Navy veteran of World War II, she graduated from Indiana University, where she was named one of eight "Outstanding Seniors." After moving to LaPorte, she worked as a 2nd grade teacher at Critchfield Elementary and as a substitute teacher throughout the LaPorte public school system. Later, she was a social worker with LaPorte County's ADC program. In 1990, she retired to Santa Fe, New Mexico where she was a happy volunteer and participant with the Senior Olympics, through which she made many good friends. She moved back to LaPorte in December 2007 after the death of her husband, where her lively, sparkling personality and sharp mind made her a beloved member of the Oak Woods Manor community. An avid crossword devotee, she also loved to read and was often seen with her nose in a book. She is survived by her daughter Megan Backus and her son Michael Backus, both of New York City, as well as her brother-in-law, Robert Gustafson of LaPorte, and several beloved nieces and nephews: Marta Smith Jim, Gary Gustafson Dawn, John Gustafson, Paulette Miller, Hans Hickenlooper Valerie, Kurt Hickenlooper Linda, Jan Aboussafy Jack, Laurie Jessen Kirby, and Rex Lenhart. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Christine M. Backus please visit our Sympathy Store.