1943
Virginia
2025
Virginia Marie Backus
January 16, 1943 — May 27, 2025
Virginia Marie Backus
Canandaigua
Virginia Marie Backus, 82, a resident of Canandaigua, passed away Tuesday (May 27, 2025) at the Maple City Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Hornell.
Born in Rochester, January 16, 1943, she was the daughter of Leo and Celina (Yonckheere) Gurnow. Following her graduation from High School, Virginia proudly served her country as a member of the United States Marine Corp.
She was predeceased by her parents, and husband, Gary Backus and is survived by 2 sons, Robert Wheeler, and Aaron Trusiefitz both of Colorado, her daughter, Rose Holmes of Pavilion, and her brother, Charles Gurnow of Rochester.
Virginia retired from the IRS as a tax auditor and enjoyed life in Canandaigua with her many cats. She was an avid lover of all animals; no matter what it was, she loved it. She was often seen feeding the stray cats in her neighborhood along with the ducks, woodchucks, and possums that frequented her property. Virgina was also known for her green thumb and had beautiful flower gardens surrounding her property. She could give advice on how to grow stunning plants and vegetables, and would to anyone that would listen.
Virginia was a proud member of the Farmington AMVETS Post 332 where she participated in monthly luncheons and quarterly Women Veteran Dinners. She was also a very proud former Marine and lived her life on her terms.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Tuesday June 10, 2025 at Bath National Cemetery at 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to either Farmington AMVETS Post 332 at P.O. Box 25291, Farmington, NY 14425 or The Ontario County Humane Society at 2976 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Those wishing to remember Virginia may visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook at BrownPowersFH.
Canandaigua
Virginia Marie Backus, 82, a resident of Canandaigua, passed away Tuesday (May 27, 2025) at the Maple City Rehabilitation & Nursing Center in Hornell.
Born in Rochester, January 16, 1943, she was the daughter of Leo and Celina (Yonckheere) Gurnow. Following her graduation from High School, Virginia proudly served her country as a member of the United States Marine Corp.
She was predeceased by her parents, and husband, Gary Backus and is survived by 2 sons, Robert Wheeler, and Aaron Trusiefitz both of Colorado, her daughter, Rose Holmes of Pavilion, and her brother, Charles Gurnow of Rochester.
Virginia retired from the IRS as a tax auditor and enjoyed life in Canandaigua with her many cats. She was an avid lover of all animals; no matter what it was, she loved it. She was often seen feeding the stray cats in her neighborhood along with the ducks, woodchucks, and possums that frequented her property. Virgina was also known for her green thumb and had beautiful flower gardens surrounding her property. She could give advice on how to grow stunning plants and vegetables, and would to anyone that would listen.
Virginia was a proud member of the Farmington AMVETS Post 332 where she participated in monthly luncheons and quarterly Women Veteran Dinners. She was also a very proud former Marine and lived her life on her terms.
Family and friends are invited to attend a graveside service on Tuesday June 10, 2025 at Bath National Cemetery at 1 PM.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to either Farmington AMVETS Post 332 at P.O. Box 25291, Farmington, NY 14425 or The Ontario County Humane Society at 2976 County Road 48, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Those wishing to remember Virginia may visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook at BrownPowersFH.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Virginia Marie Backus, please visit our flower store.
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