Obituary of Joanne Backes

WALLINGFORD - Joanne Warmkessel Backes of Ashlar Village in Wallingford, passed away suddenly on May 22, 2018. She was the loving wife of the late James Burton Backes.

Joanne was born in Mucungie, PA on August 9, 1936 to the late Leon and Louisa Warmkessel. She is survived by her daughter Martha Backes Brooke and Martha's husband Lee of Westfield, PA; and son Clifford B. Backes and his wife Patricia of Moodus, CT. She is also survived by five step-grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

As a 1957 graduate of the Allentown Hospital School of Nursing, Joanne worked at the Meriden-Wallingford Hospital and for the Yale Cancer Research Hospital. She was a longtime member of the Farms Country Club where she was a Division Golf Champion and tennis enthusiast. Much to her husband's dismay, she was the only member of her family with a hole in one, which she got on the thirteenth hole at the Farms Country Club. She also enjoyed bridge with the ladies and at one time was a private pilot. Joanne was actively involved in Friendship Force, both hosting and traveling frequently in her later years. She was an active volunteer at Masonicare in Wallingford, first driving residents for errands and appointments, and later manning the reception desk at Ashlar Village.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Yale Cancer Hospital, P.O. Box 1849, New Haven, CT 06508-1849 or www.closertofree.com. To leave a message of remembrance, please visit www.BaileyCares.com.