Joanne Backstrom, 71, died June 2, 2002, in Coupeville after a lengthy illness.

She was born May 4, 1931, to Raymond and Edna (O’Connor) Farrell. She graduated from Arlington High School in 1950 and attended Seattle University. She married Donald Backstrom in 1951 in Arlington. They were married for 51 years. They retired on Whidbey Island in 1987.

She was a loving mother to her seven children.

Mrs. Backstrom is survived by her husband, Donald, and her children: Katherine McCausland of Snohomish, Linda Reininger of Issaquah, Donald Backstrom Jr. of Camano Island, Leanne Griswold of Seattle, Chris Backstrom of Stanwood, Anastasia Marcin of Langley and Kimberly Andrews of Coupeville; and 11 grandchildren.

A service of remembrance will be held at 10 a.m. June 8 at Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor, with the Rev. John O’Leary, S.J., officiating.

Remembrances may be made to the Arthritis Foundation, Washington/Alaska Chapter, 3876 Bridge Way N. Suite 300, Seattle, WA 98103, or the American Cancer Society Island Unit, P. O. Box 1594, Oak Harbor, WA 98277.