Lucille Larson Backus, 96, passed away at her home on Feb. 6.
She was born on Nov. 1, 1913 in Norway, Mich., and graduated from the University of Northern Michigan in Marquette, Mich.
She later pursued graduate work at Wayne University in Detroit and also the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Mich.
After teaching for 12 years in Birmingham, Mich. she moved to Vero Beach with her family in 1955. She and her late husband, Arthur A. Backus, built and operated the Sea Vista Apartment Motel on South Ocean Drive for nine years. She also owned and operated Plaza Fashions at the Miracle Mile Shopping Center.
Being an educator, she joined the faculty at St. Edward’s Primary School where she taught for 18 years, the last 10 years as Primary chairman.
Lucille was a member of The American Association of University Women, the Pilot Club, the Bougainvillea Garden Club, The Center for the Arts and the Vero Beach Theatre Guild.
Lucille was a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church, also serving as a deacon.
She is survived by her two daughters; Cynthia Backus Norman of Oak Hill, Va., and Debra Backus Krueger of Raleigh, N.C.; four grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach. Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php
