Barbara J. Backoff

Barbara J. (Hentschel) Backoff, age 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at All American Assisted Living in Wrentham, Massachusetts, surrounded by her loving family.  Born in Norwood, Massachusetts on March 6, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Ruth (Morse) Hentschel.  Barbara was raised in Norwood, attending Norwood High School, where she was the Lead Majorette, promoting school spirit with her spinning batons and flags.   Prior to her graduation in 1955, Barbara received her first car, a Studebaker, and instantly fell in love with the brand.

Barbara married her beloved husband, William. E. Backoff, Jr., on April 29, 1956, and together they made their home in Norwood.  As a young mother, Barbara took on the role of a homemaker, and as her family grew, she and Bill settled in Walpole in 1965, where they raised their five children.  Once her children grew up, Barbara enjoyed volunteering her time at Norwood Hospital, ensuring everyone received the care and attention that they deserved.

Barbara always looked forward to summer vacations, enjoying some rest and relaxation with her husband, Bill.  In their younger years, the couple enjoyed camping trips to Martha's Vineyard, where Barbara positioned herself behind the lens of her camera, photographing the beaches, lighthouses, and tranquil scenery that surrounded her.  Her photography was sought after by a local shop that saw the beauty she was able to capture, and offered to sell prints on her behalf.  In her later years, Barbara and Bill turned north, spending their summers on the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire.  Barbara loved sitting on the bow of their boat, cruising the lake with the sunshine warming her face and wind blowing through her hair.

Back at home in Walpole, Barbara kept herself busy around the house, whether inside or out.   She enjoyed spending time in her kitchen, baking the best pies and her famous whoopie pies for holidays, special occasions, or even to give away to the crews at the Walpole Fire Department.   When she wasn't baking treats, Barbara enjoyed working on various crafting projects.  She was talented with thread, completing many sewing, embroidery, and macrame projects.  Barbara also worked in several other mediums, including ceramics and stained glass, to create beautiful decorations around her house.  As much as she loved working on her crafts inside, Barbara also enjoyed taking time outside to tend to her vegetable garden and the beautiful flowers that surrounded her home.  

More recently, Barbara made her home at All American Assisted Living in Wrentham, where she enjoyed many friendships and activities. One afternoon, All American hosted a car show for the residents and the community. Barbara's eyes widened with excitement when a Studebaker arrived, having continuously loved the brand her whole life. The owner gladly took Barbara for a ride around the parking lot, bringing her so much joy.

Beloved wife of the late William E. Backoff, Jr.

Loving mother of Nancy L. Kiehl and her former husband, Don, of North Attleborough, Stephen H. Backoff and his partner, Karen Gaffney, of Cohasset, the late William E. Backoff, III, the late Paul M. Backoff, and the late Robert D. Backoff.

Cherished grandmother of Cindy Cook of Attleboro, Mandy Jenks and her husband, David, of Plainville, Jessica Kiehl and her fiancé, Michael Dahlbeck, of Attleboro, Jeffrey Kiehl and his wife, Amanda, of Attleboro, Scott Backoff and his wife, Jessie, of Bow, New Hampshire, and Sara Lind and her husband, Eric, of Concord, New Hampshire; and great grandmother of Shaya, Aryelle, Logan, Jason, Joslyn, William, Amelia, Karen and Mikey.

Sister of the late Patricia Cleary and Dorothy Verrochi.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Barbara's Life Celebration on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024, from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole.  A Graveside Service will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in Walpole.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Barbara's name may be made to Stray Pets in Need of MA, where she got her cat KitKat, by mailing a check to P.O. 812143, Wellesley, MA 02482 or by visiting www.straypetsinneed.org