Funeral services for Phyllis Beatrice Brook Backes, 97, of Clarkesville were held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, at Hillside Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Billy Burrell and Hector Orsini officiating. Burial will follow in Yonah Memorial Gardens, Demorest.

Mrs. Backes died Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at her residence.

Born Dec. 4, 1913, in Coventry, Conn., she was the daughter of the late Robert G. and Caroline Rousseau Brook. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Michael Backes.

A homemaker, Mrs. Backes raised her family in New Haven and Old Saybrook, Conn. She worked for 20 years with Chesebrough Ponds Inc., where it was headquartered in Clinton, Conn. Mrs. Backes retired to Ocala, Fla., and later to Clarkesville. She loved dancing, playing the piano, reading, gardening and taking care of her beautiful yard and home, long walks, board games and puzzles, lively conversations, good company, her kitties and traveling.

Survivors include daughters, Diane Hunter of San Jose, New Mexico, Marian Backes of Springfield, Ore.; daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Hector Orsini; brother, Leslie (“Les”); sisters, Dorothy (“Dot”) and Jeanette (“Jean”); grandson, Michael McGuerty; special friends and caregivers, Sheila and Russell Davis, Florence Wikle, Joan Hill, Marie Hutchen, and Sharon Fulbright.

Phyllis was the last survivor of her immediate family.

Those wishing may send condolences by visiting hillsidememorialchapel.com.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville.

The Northeast Georgian

November 16, 2011