Mary Frances Backherms

A naturalist at heart who appreciated all of God’s creation, Mary Frances earned her B.A. in Biology from Edgecliff College in 1969. She taught biology at McAuley and Mother of Mercy High Schools, then served as Regulatory Affairs Manager in the chemical industry for many years.

She enjoyed backpacking in the mountains, volunteering with and supporting numerous animal rescue organizations, and loved making rosaries with the Good Shepherd rosary-making group. She loved to sketch and paint nature scenes and animals and she delighted in vegetable gardening. Most of all, she treasured her many pets over the years including gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, birds, fish, dogs, and rabbits - especially her bunny Lulu - many of which were rescues.

She would see all the wonder of God’s creation in the smallest of masterfully-constructed spider webs and birds’ nests, to the busy gathering of food for winter by chipmunks and squirrels, to the beauty of a sunset or full moon. She thought of everyone and every little creature first. She was quiet and unassuming, wise and brave. The perfect big sister.

Departed Tuesday, December 28, 2021, age 74 years. Preceded in death by parents Mary E. and Francis W. “Ivy” Backherms and numerous beloved pets. Devoted sister of Kathy.

Visitation: Wednesday, January 5 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Road 45236; Masks Required.

Mass of Christian Burial: Thursday, January 6 at 12:00 pm at the Community of the Good Shepherd, 8815 E. Kemper Road; Mass will be live-streamed.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Buckeye House Rabbit Society, P.O. Box 61, Vickery, Ohio 43464, or any animal rescue organization of your choice.

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