Adele Helen Backs

She was born September 12, 1926 in Old Forge, Pennsylvania. She received a Bachelor’s of Science degree from Beaver College in Jenkintown, Pa. Adele met her future husband in the spring of 1949 at the Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University, Chicago. Mark was in his first year of medical school, and Adele was working as a lab chemist in the physiology lab. They were married on June 16, 1952.

Adele was the devoted mother of six children and a friend to all who knew her. She loved to cook. Her meals, decorating, wit, and warmth created lasting holiday and birthday traditions that will be long remembered by family and friends. Adele's father was born in Brienza, Italy. Mark and Adele had a love affair with Italy and enjoyed frequent travel there, aided by her fluency in Italian. Adele also was an avid bridge player and loved opera.

Adele was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Enrico A. Leopardi, Sr. and Helen C. Leopardi, sister Emma, brother Enrico, daughter Jennifer Backs Malley, and grandson Aaron Armstrong.

Adele is survived by her husband, Mark, children Michelle Backs, Greg Backs (Maureen Richards), Carol Backs (Josh Kapp), Tammy Backs (Hector Esparza), Kim Kenworthy (Lane), 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and her beloved dog, Nemo.

Services will be private. A celebration of Adele’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tucson Medical Center Hospice.