Lou Ann Backer

West Leyden- Lou Ann Backer, 61, of Stinebrickner Road, wife of Gerald R. passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 9, 2017. She was born in Danbury, Connecticut, on June 17, 1955, a daughter of Ronald and Lillian Edwards Bassett. Lou Ann grew up in Danbury, where she graduated from high school and continued her education at University of Arizona, Tempe, where she studied Veterinary Science. Later she moved from Tempe to Albert Lee, Minnesota, where she was employed as an office worker and met the love of her life, Gerald R. Backer. Lou Ann and Gerald were married on June 9, 1979, in Danbury, CT. at a Baptist Church. In 1985, the couple located to their present home near West Leyden and for twenty five years Mrs. Backer was employed at Great American grocery store in Boonville, retiring in 2016. For many years Lou Ann and Gerald attended Abundant Life Fellowship Church, Boonville, where for many years she volunteered as chairperson in organizing and scheduling church members to transport food bank donations to Utica. Lou Ann was a lover of all kinds of animals; she especially enjoyed bird watching, feeding birds, caring for her feline friends and raising a large variety of flowers and plants. In addition to her husband, Gerald, she is survived by one son, Timothy A. Backer, North Syracuse; one daughter and son in law, Trinity R. (Ross) Testa, Westmoreland; granddaughters, Stefani Backer, Ilion, Samantha and a grandson, Nathan Testa, of Westmoreland and one brother, Fred Bassett, CA. A Memorial Service will be on Friday, February 17, at 12 Noon at Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St. Boonville, where Pastor Daniel Tabolt, will officiate. Visitation hours are Friday from 10:00 A.M. until the service. Memorial contributions may be made to The National Audubon Society P.O. Box 97194, Washington, D.C. 20090-7194.