Lillian Backman

Lillian (Sagik) Backman of Brookline, Massachusetts, devoted wife of the late Sen. Jack Backman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 14, with her four children by her side along with many grandchildren and their spouses, one day after her 90th birthday.

Lillian is lovingly remembered by her son Steven Backman and his wife Linda Roistacher of Jamaica Plain, Barbara Treacy and her husband Robert of Peabody, Marjorie Backman and her spouse Amparo Ramirez of New York, and Dot Bustelo of Atlanta. She is also the cherished grandmother of Erin, Daniel, Rebecca, Lisa, and Denise and great-grandmother of Jaclyn, Kailah, Sophia, Hudson and Levi, dear sister of the late Clara Striar, and loving aunt and great-aunt to numerous other relatives.

Lillian Sagik was born Dec. 13, 1926, in Chelsea, Massachusetts to Joseph and Sophie Sagik. The family moved to Brookline, Massachusetts, where Lillian graduated Brookline High School. She then received a bachelor’s degree with honors from Simmons College.

On August 29, 1948, Lillian married Jack Backman. Lillian and Jack built a vibrant life together in Brookline. They raised four children, participated in synagogue life and community affairs, took part in the life of their extended families and made many lasting friendships.

Lillian championed Jack’s entry into Massachusetts political life, where he served as state legislator and senator. She used her tremendous organizing skills and encyclopedic memory to develop a powerful volunteer base. Jack’s success owed more to this grassroots base than to extensive financial or political benefactors.

She also worked closely with Jack on his groundbreaking reform positions on social issues. Lillian’ studies and thesis for her 1973 master’s degree Early Childhood Education at Lesley College provided foundation work for a Children’s Bill of Rights campaign that resulted in creation of the Commonwealth’s Office for Children.

Lillian twice survived life-threatening cancers when she was in her 40s. She later accepted a position as director of volunteer services at what is now the Dana Farber Cancer Center. There Lillian greatly expanded the hospital’s roster of volunteers, strengthened relationships to medical schools, and expanded cultural programs and other support from local businesses for cancer patients and their families.

Lillian also participated in many other nonprofit and community programs. She served as board member and chair for many years on the Brandeis University National Women’s Committee. She served on the Newton Democratic Ward Committee as well as on that city’s Human Rights Commission.

Through it all, Lillian held to deeply rooted values of community service, protecting children and families, professionalism in volunteer work and contributing to a more just world. Her example, along with yet independent of Jack’s, earned her wide respect and admiration.

Even with all of Lillian’s community and work activities, family came first. Lillian only decided to rejoin the workforce when her children had achieved a measure of independence. Later on, she left the Dana Farber Center in part to help with the next generation, her children’s children, and to be a support and health care manager for Jack.

A memorial service will be held at Levine Chapels, 470 Harvard St., Brookline, Massachusetts, on Sunday, Dec. 18 at 12:30p.m. The burial will follow at Temple Sinai of Marblehead Cemetery, 16 Buxton Road, Danvers, Massachusetts, at 1:30 p.m . Afterward a memorial observance will take place nearby at the home of Barbara and Robert Treacy nearby at 5 North Dale Street, Peabody, MA 01960. In lieu of sending flowers, remembrances may be made to Hebrew Senior Life 1200 Centre St., Roslindale, MA 02131 earmarked for Danesh Residences at 100 Centre Street, or to the charity of your choice.