Diane Y.L. (Gagnon) Backry, 67, died Friday, May 3, 2013 at her home in Danvers surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of S. Michael Backry, Sr., with whom she shared 44 years of marriage.
Born in Salem on Feb. 11, 1946, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Lillian (Brilliant) Gagnon. She was raised and educated in Beverly and was a graduate of Beverly High School. She resided in Salem for many years until moving to Danvers with her family 23 years ago.
Diane worked in sales for many years with Avon, Warner Cable, and Val-Pak until her retirement in 2008.
She had been a parishioner of the former St. Joseph Parish in Salem for many years, was an avid knitter, and loved shopping. Most of all, she was a selfless and loving wife, mother, and cherished “memere” who will be dearly missed.
In addition to her husband, she leaves her children, Monique O’Haire of Nottingham, NH, S. Michael Backry, Jr. and his wife Cathy of Atkinson, NH, Sabina Bertone of Amesbury, and Frank Backry and his wife Erin of Wenham, a sister, Doris LeBlanc of Salem, a brother F. Kenney Gagnon of Maryland, 9 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by a brother, Robert Gagnon.
Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, May 10, 2013 at 9AM in St. Richard Church, 90 Forest St., Danvers. Relatives and friends are invited. As requested, there are no public visiting hours and burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923.