Myrna B. Carey

Myrna Backes Carey, 73, of St. Joseph, MI, died on September 4, 2011 at home. A loving wife to her husband Christopher Carey for 45 years, she is survived by her daughter Anne Carey of Chicago, sons Joseph (Mary) Carey of Longmont, CO and Peter Carey of New York City, grandchildren Colleen and James Carey of Longmont, CO and brother Clinton (Jeanne) Carey of Hot Springs Village, AR. Myrna was born in North Dakota to George and Clara (Kirsch) Backes. Myrna’s cheerful personality and ability to rise to any occasion was her personal trademark throughout her life. Before retiring to St. Joseph, Michigan, in 1996 with her husband, Myrna wore many professional hats; homemaker, executive assistant, Sunday school teacher and entrepreneur. Expertly navigating her way through the business world without the benefit of a college degree, Myrna realized the American Dream to own a business and operated a secretarial service in downtown Chicago for five years in the mid-1980s. Never one to settle for half measures, Myrna encouraged all her children to pursue their dreams. Two of them are entrepreneurs in their own right, and all of them benefit from the rich legacy of Myrna’s parenting style that encouraged them to make a difference in the world. While in St. Joseph, Myrna often volunteered at the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen and worked at the Area Agency on Aging for several years creating the not-for-profit’s newsletter. As a well-read retiree with a hunger for knowledge, one of her passions was to take educational travel adventures, often in the company of one or more of her children. She would encourage a lively and intelligent debate on virtually any subject, as long as the issue was discussed with mutual respect. Myrna’s appreciation of life, love and chocolate knew no bounds. Every day brought a chance to reminisce about a precious memory or discover something new about herself or the world around her. Her final days were spent quietly and peacefully among family and friends, all of which had a chance to share with her how she touched their lives. She will be sorely missed, but all our lives were improved by her graceful presence. Myrna was proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, and three brothers Joseph Backes, Clarus Backes, and Bruce Backes. A Memorial service will be held 11:00 A.M. Friday, September 9, 2011 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 211 Church St., in St. Joseph. Rosary recited at 7:30 P.M. Thursday 8, 2011 at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd. St. Joseph, Mi. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks & Menchinger Chapel. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association.