Bernice Backon

WESTPORT- Bernice K. Backon, 78, passed away peacefully on July 3, 2011 at Mid-State Medical Center in Meriden, CT. She had resided at the Alzheimer's Resource Center of Connecticut in Plantsville, CT. "Bea," as she was known, was predeceased by her husband Mitchell Backon in 1999. Bea was born February 3, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of the late Saul and Rose (Wiese) Katz.

Bernice is survived by her son Joel Backon of Wallingford, CT and grandson Jacob; daughter Abbi Bruce of Cheshire, CT and granddaughter Sara; son Marc Backon of Westport, CT, his wife Lois and granddaughters Mia and Julia; niece Alayne Katz of Irvington, NY; and nephew Steven Katz of East Northport, NY. She was predeceased by her brother, Emanuel Katz, and sister, Myrna Katz.

Bernice was a loving mother, grandmother and daughter, and an accomplished career woman in many different disciplines: a special education teacher, a leader for many non-profit Jewish organizations, the president of the local League of Women Voters in Concord, NH, and the first woman president of Temple Beth Jacob in Concord. Prior to her retirement she was the Executive Director for Women's League for Israel in New York City.

Arrangements: A graveside service for Bernice will be held July 4, 11:00 am at Mount Ararat Cemetery, North Lindenhurst, NY. There are no calling hours. The family will sit Shiva beginning July 4 from 3-9pm at 5 Sandhopper Trail, Westport, CT; July 5 from 3-9pm at 227 North Elm Street, Wallingford, CT; and July 6 from 6-9pm at 85 Quarry Village Road, Cheshire, CT. All Shiva services begin at 7 pm. The Alderson Funeral Home of Cheshire, 615 South Main St, 06410 is in charge of the arrangements. Donations in Bernice's name may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2911 Dixwell Ave, Hamden, CT 06518, or to Congregation Kol Ami, 1484 Highland Ave, Cheshire, CT 06410.