Irene Marie Backer

Irene Marie Backer, our beloved mother, grandmother, and wife, passed from us on December 15th, 2025, after a beautiful 89 years of life. She is survived by her husband, Frederick Backer; her daughter, Jolie Backer; her son-in-law, Greg Vernoy; and her 5 grandchildren, Fredrake, Remington, Lucazi, Havalind, and Ripley.

With her quick-witted mind and loving heart, Irene cared for her loved ones with fierce loyalty and effortless grace. She loved cooking and painting, indulging her sweet tooth, sneaking cigarettes, traveling the world, spoiling her many pets, and loyally watching every single episode of The Young and the Restless for the last 52 years. Her Irish luck and determination saw her routinely beating the odds at slot machines with a sixth sense for the luckiest ones; whether in Vegas or Snoqualmie, she knew her way around those casino floors like the back of her hand. Beautiful inside and out, Irene was a joy to be near and a treasure to be cherished. She had a magical talent of making any house feel like a home, any meal taste like a restaurant-worthy gourmet feast, any blank page look like a work of art, and any person around her feel seen and special. She brightened rooms just by entering and filled them with laughter with her signature sassy quips. To know her was to love her, and to be loved by her was a gift and a blessing.

Irene was a shining example in all of our lives; a devoted wife with the patience of a saint for 66 (long) years of marriage, a nurturing and extraordinary mother to her two wonderful children, and a doting and attentive grandmother to her five grandchildren. She cared for her family with devout intention and dedication, and yet never lost the unique sparkle that defined her character. She always said what she meant, and she meant what she said, unforgettable in her authenticity and undeniable in her charm and humor. She made you laugh, she had your back, and she always had a tissue up her sleeve or a piece of candy to slip your way.

Irene moved on from this world two years to the day of her beloved son JJ’s passing on December 15th of 2023. She made sure we knew that she would always be the greatest mother, gracing death with the same love and light she brought to our lives. She will be forever missed and live on in our memories, our stories, and our hearts.

Private services are being held.