Nancy Elisabeth Backus, age 71, died peacefully in her sleep 
on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, in Rochester, NY, of cancer 
complications. She is survived by her loving husband Richard
Judson Backus, of Rochester; her son, RJ "John" Backus, 
world traveler; and seven siblings: Jessie (Nigel) James of 
England, Lesesne (Phillip) Shafer of Walden, Tait (Lloyd) 
Powell of Severna Park, MD, Lydia Archer of Bloomfield, 
Robert (Faye) Elder of Bristol, VA, Mary Grace (Marty) 
Graham of Kendall and John (Erica) Elder, of Brooklyn; and 
many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by many beloved cats.

In 1973, Nancy earned a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from 
Rochester Institute of Technology, and for the rest of her 
life coupled these skills with her knowledge of Scripture
and faith in Jesus, to encourage, counsel and advocate for 
many needy family members and friends, who learned to value 
her compassion, her non-judgmental listening ear, and her
willingness to help those in need. In the end, her body gave 
out, but her wisdom and her gentle, strong, positive spirit 
lives on in the hearts of those who were honored to be part of
her life. May all women strive to emulate her gentleness of 
soul, her fierceness of courage, and her love of all that is 
beautiful, delightful, and refreshing, even if small, broken, 
or overlooked.

Nancy was an active member of Covenant / Cornerstone 
Presbyterian Church in Greece, where she played the piano and 
organ, personally welcoming every visitor after the service.

She was an avid reader and family genealogist, loved classical 
music and taught private piano lessons for many years. For years, 
she also enjoyed being part of online FidoNet BBS Cooking Echo 
and Memories Echo. For over 30 years, her large extended family 
has treasured her presence in our annual Christmas celebrations 
and weeklong "Elder Family Campouts."

Nancy's memorial service will be held at a later date and time to 
be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to 
CornerstonePresbyterian.org using PayPal.
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