Frances A. "Cookie" (Cecelon) Backlund

      Mrs. Frances A. “Cookie” (Cecelon) Backlund, 75, beloved wife of Mr. Carl W. Backlund of Wilkes-Barre, passed into eternal life early Sunday morning at her residence following a prolonged battle against cancer.

     Born April 18, 1943 in Wilkes-Barre, she was the daughter of the late Stanley F. and Frances E. (Ostrowski) Cecelon.

     She was educated in the city schools, being a graduate of the former Marymount High School, Wilkes-Barre and later earning her bachelor’s degree in English and education from Alvernia College in Reading.

     Until her formal retirement, Mrs. Backlund’s ministry in this life was in education.  She served at both her alma maters teaching English at the former Marymount Parochial School in the Heights section of the city, and later at Alvernia College in Reading.  She later worked for the United States Federal Reserve Bank on Wall Street, New York City.

     It was while working in Manhattan; she would meet and eventually marry her dear husband Mr. Carl W. Backlund on an April day in springtime, ultimately sharing some thirty-two years of married life together until her passing.

     Viewed as the family matriarch, and having no children of her own, “Aunt Cookie” became a mother figure to her several adoring nieces and nephews of whom will miss her presence dearly.  A woman of grace, she held herself in a manner of quiet dignity, never complaining when her illness caused her physical discomfort.  She is an inspiration to all whose lives she touched and had the privilege of knowing her.

     Per her own wishes, funeral services will be held privately and at her family’s convenience in Saint Mary’s Cemetery columbarium, Hanover Township.  There will be no formal visitation.

     Remember Cookie with a smile and pray for God’s blessings on her family whose lives will forever be changed.

     The John V. Morris Family Funeral Homes Inc. is humbled and honored to care for our friend and her family at this time.

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