It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Lillian (Evelyn) Backman, age 53, of Halifax, Nova Scotia. Lillian courageously ended her battle with cancer at the Victoria General Hospital in the Palliative Care Unit on April 24, 2021.
Predeceased by her parents Victor Backman and Katherine Canning. Survived by her devoted partner, Paul; children Mitchel MacLatchie (Becky), Joshua MacLatchie, Katherine MacLatchie (Craig); sister Vicky Pringle, brothers George (Rowena), Robert (Shannon), Bruce (Betsy) and Timothy (Kelly); former spouse Ian MacLatchie (Krista); and many aunts, nieces and nephews which she adored.
Lillian was born in Halifax, N.S., 1968. She graduated from Sacred Heart School of Halifax. At a young age she competed in Canada and the USA as a multi-time champion in majorettes. This led her to her next achievement as a Prima Ballerina, dancing for the Halifax Ballet Theatre. She studied ballet at the Royal Winnipeg and in New York. At age 11 she was given a Revue for her performance at the Atlantic Summer Festival of Music…. 'The ‘Coppelia’ gave the evening its undoubted star. Young Lillian Backman, a svelte and pretty redhead, achieving a positively precocious stage presence with a performance that was remarkable for its natural grace, sensitivity and guts. Miss Backman is an uncommonly talented and perfectly natural young dancer…'.
Lillian was a caregiver by nature. She worked with children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities throughout her life. Lillian loved her job as an EPA for the Halifax Regional School board and a caregiver for many other families and children. She volunteered at the March of Dimes camp where she met her former spouse.
Her love for all people and animals, especially horses, was one of her greatest gifts. She found solace throughout her life at the Bengal Lancers and FLAR Equine Therapy.
No matter where she went she made new friends, many when waiting in hospitals for cancer treatments.
Lillian had an incredible sense for finding that one person in the room who needed some light, hope, and words of encouragement, she would go to them and give them her support and comfort even when she was struggling herself with her own cancer illness.
Lillian was first diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2018 when she was caring for her elderly mother. Lillian’s cancer progressed and metastasized. Through her many surgeries, treatments, clinic visits and hospitalizations her spirit never broke. Her biggest concern about dying was not fear of death but the pain it would cause those who she loved so much.
There will be a service announced later when COVID restrictions ease up. Please feel free to donate to Metastatic Breast Cancer research through the Canadian Cancer Society or FLAR Equine Therapy 3693 St Margarets Bay Rd, Hubley, NS by calling (902) 240-8527 or at [email protected]. Lillian would also suggest passing on an act of kindness. To place an online condolence please visit: www.jasnowfuneralhome.com
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