Mrs. Mary Eaton Backer (nee Bruce)

95 years old, born in Lakeland, Florida, Mary Eaton Backer (nee Bruce) passed away peacefully in her sleep, at her Cedarcroft home in Baltimore, Maryland on January 15, 2023, due to the ongoing effects of COPD. Living a full and meaningful life, she was the beloved wife of John Matthew Backer, devoted mother of Trish Backer-Miceli, dear grandmother of Alexandra and Augustine John Miceli, loving sister of the late Daniel E. and Samuel G. Bruce, and is survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Mary was a friend to many, and her conversation, humor and intelligence will be missed by all who knew her. She had a passion for reading and learning and was an avid gardener For Mary, the word “gardening” meant getting one’s hands dirty in the soil. Domestically, she knew fabrics and was an accomplished seamstress and quilter and belonged to a quilting club for many years. A hobby was searching for and reading new recipes. Occasionally they were cooked. Parents, Samuel Gordon Bruce, a government worker, and Mary Shinholser Bruce, a homemaker, relocated often due to employment changes during the early 20th century’s depression. As a result, Mary, when asked, “Where are you from?” would always reply, “Florida, Georgia and South Carolina.” Maryland was added to that list after her marriage to John. They were introduced by friends while he was the explosive ordnance disposal officer aboard minesweepers based in Charleston, South Carolina. A very short engagement was followed by a Charleston marriage which her friends believed would never last. Mary outlived and proved them wrong, for during this past November, Mary and John celebrated their 65th Anniversary. Mary’s work career was varied, and she often chose positions that interested her and furthered her learning. Starting at a young age to help put food on the table, she was unable to graduate high school. However, her intelligence, perseverance, and continuous learning led her to employment in industry, law, advertising and academia (Johns Hopkins University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology). Later, in her 40’s, she obtained a real estate license and was proud to work with one of Baltimore’s premiere real estate firms for many years. Experience at laboratories in industry and at universities gave Mary a serious interest in medical research. For many years, she participated at Johns Hopkins as a control in long-term studies of Alzheimer’s and of Parkinson’s disease. Mary chose to donate her brain and body to Johns Hopkins for this important research. Burial will be private. A celebration of life will be held at the Country Club of Maryland on Sunday, May 7th from 1-3. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Maryland SPCA or Gilchrist Hospice Care, Inc. *********************************************************************************************** On January 15, 2023 Mary Eaton Backer (nee Bruce), beloved wife of John Matthew Backer; dear mother of Mary Patricia “Trish” Backer-Miceli (Augustine); dear grandmother of Alexandra E. and Augustine J. Miceli, Loving sister of the late Daniel E. and Samuel G. Bruce. Also survived by nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Country Club of Maryland on Sunday, May 7th from 1-3 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mary’s name may be made to Maryland SPCA or Gilchrist Hospice Care Inc.

Mrs. Mary Eaton Backer (nee Bruce)

December 19, 1927 - January 15, 2023