Margaret Backus Obituary

Richie,
It's been a long time since we were current with each other. But, I remember you and Maggie well. I wish you and your family all the best, always. Remembering Maggie (and you) is a reminder to live, love, laugh, and be the best you can be. Sincerely, Dave

Richie,
I just heard about Maggie's passing. I am so sorry. I enjoyed taking care of Maggie so much and enjoyed our conversations. She will be forever in my heart.

Maddie, your mom had to be wonderful... she raised a wonderful daughter! I wish we could all live lives like your mom.

We are so sorry to hear of your loss, Charlie, and hope you take comfort in knowing that we (and many others) are thinking of you

Maggie's humor and zest for life ring through in the obituary! My thoughts and prayers are with the Murphy and Backus families.

Cathy and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.

Richie:
My thoughts are with you and your family. May all of you find the peace that Maggie has found.

Richie my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I knew Maggie from our softball team and so cherished our friendship. Maggie was such a sweet spirit, and I will always remember how much joy she brought to our team. I am sorry we lost touch over the last few years.

Though I never met Maggie, I wish I had after reading her obituary. I cannot imagine the pain of losing such a strong and vivid presence. Soldier on; I will offer prayers for your family. Thank you for sharing the celebration of her life with us. It gives us an example and something to which to aspire.

Dear Richie, So sorry for your loss. Love to the entire Backus family, Ellen

Look for the rainbow
that gracious thing,
made up of tears and light. ~Charlotte Bronte
sending peace and love to you Richie and family

Wishing Maggie's family and friends peaceful thoughts. Will indeed,regard it as an honor to celebrate her life, a great life.

Sorry I am - but smiling with memories of Margaret Mary Elizabeth's Heart; Humor; Love; THe destined match for Richie - Courage. Spirit. Sad are we, but very glad to have met an angel with a devilishly mischievous charm! Spring is a demonstration of her irrepressible nature. Love to all!
"Beer. It's not just for breakfast anymore." You endure in the ways you touched our souls and therefore, live happily forever!

Richie,
So sorry for your loss.
David and Karla Grether
(Karla, the Scorpio Merkur lover)

Richie and Kiddo's ~Murphy/ Backus clan
How I love you and Maggie.
Hope this helps and gives you comfort.
Love is eternal.
Grief has no timeline.
Memories will not be forgotten.
Nor the face, voice or laugh.
Always and forever stamped on your heart
and mind.
This, I found to be true.
Spring will become my memory of Maggie and
you.
Her face and spirit in every bird and flower.
As spring Bloom's a new in glory and wonder
I will be thinking of you.
I did shed more than a tear or two.
As I thought of Mag's and y'all.
Lookin at the finch feeder she gave me last year
I was thrilled to see a finch eating at my huggin
tree. Oh what a blessings she be.
On my heart
Love, Stacy Mckinney

My heart goes out to Richie and all the Backus , Murphy family. Lawrence was and is a much better place to live with such great people to have been part of us. Take care Richie. Brian and Brett Conrad

I feel lucky to have known Maggie, one of the bravest, cheerful, and loving people I have met. Richie you are so lucky to have found her and so unlucky to have lost her. I am so sorry for your family's loss. You are in our thoughts. Richie I will remember her as I met her, with you, obviously in love, heading out on a cruise down Hidden Valley Road south of the Wilburs, G&T's in hand.

Although I did not know Maggie, her spirit is so present here and in all I've heard that I'm so very sorry for her loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Maggie's family and friends.

Only met her a few times but was always met with a smile.My thoughts and prayers with you and yours.

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

maggie was quite a woman, as anybody who read her auto-obituary fully appreciates.

it was clear she belonged among the backus boys. i like to include myself among them- i hope not too much straying from the actual. the backus boy's father was my older brother's advisor for his senior thesis (he went on to be a russian historian). it was through this rawkus group i first met maggie. when she was diagnosed 15-16 years ago with an untreatable condition, the prognosis was for atmost 4 or 5 weeks. maggie thought the hell that, i'm going to see maddie and charley through high school. this was shortly after 1994 and1996.

during this time, i myself was diagnosed with an extremely rare untreatable condition (my first prognosis was that i likely would not make it to the elevator down the hall from the kumed examination room. maddie and i took up, when we saw each other, discussions of the variations of our organ recitals. in recent years these meetings became less frequent. we would unpredictably run into each other in the waiting room of lmh oncology.

no question. maddie was a courage giver. of the backus boy's kind.

philip kimball

my heart weeps and my soul cries out for those of us left behind...some day we will be reunited.
Be strong Richie, be weak, be whatever you feel, just be.

Such a wonderful person with a wonderful smile!

Sweet Maggie, we shall miss you. People like you don't come very often and we were so blessed to have known you and to be part of your life in some small way. Your spirit will shine on forever… "like the moon and the stars and the sun." Sending all of our love to Richie, Maddie & Charlie.

Oh, Maggie...what a great life you have lived with you and your family and friends. You must be very proud and full of joy right now! I remember you in Lawrence in the mid '80s coming in from St. Louis and fitting in just like you had always been here. I remember one crazy road trip...to the Final Four in Dallas...where a bunch of us loaded into someone's parents' van and we headed to the Big D. We had so much fun!!!! Didn't win that year but had such a blast anyway that you'd had thought that we did! I'll always remember your wonderful free spirit and kindness. Please be a guiding light for all of us until we meet again...cheers!!!

My condolences to Richie and family. I will always remember those x-mas tree burning parties, getting stuck in the snow, and Maggie always and forever smiling.

Dear Richie, Maddie and Charlie,

We are heartbroken over your loss. We feel fortunate to have known Maggie while she was here and will always remember her cheerful exuberance for friends, family and life. From the first day we met her alongside Richie at Dillons, it was clear the two of you were a wonderful match. It seems impossible that some 24 years have passed since then. Our thoughts and love are with you always.

Claude and Diana Laird

Richie, you and Maggie will always be an inspiration. I am so grateful for your mutual kindness. You both always made me smile and I hope knowing that makes you smile, now. You help make Lawrence special and that leaves it mark on the world. Love, Dave

Richie,
I didn't know Maggie so well, but she had always been very nice to me.
I also hardly know your kids, but please pass my condolences to them as well.
My feelings really go to you, I can only imagine how hard this has been and is on you. And how unfair. My deepest condolences. My thoughts will be with you these difficult days; please take care!

A bright star lit our firmament, but then, all too briefly, faded. Maggie will be sorely missed.

My deepest sympathy to Maggie's family and friends.

I will long remember Maggie's wonderful smile and sweet disposition. I loved your writing, Maggie, and the truths you spoke. Fair winds and following seas to you and yours.

Richie, Charlie, and Maddie, my warmest sympathies to you and yours. May bright, joyous memories light your way.

You have my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort from Almighty Gods' Promise that soon He'll Maggie & Others awaken from their deep sleep to live again forever in a beautiful Paradise on a Happy & Peaceful Earth to ease your sorrow during this difficult time. (John 5:25-29; Lu 23:43 & Ps 37:9-11,29)

Maggie was such an inspiration to everyone who knew her.
I admired her so much--she was so brave and so loving.
Condolences to Richie, Maddie, Charlie and to all her family and friends.

Maggie's life was so full and rich with her loving and embracing friends and family. But it was too short. We raise a glass to a life well lived.

Maggie could not have lived a better life. It was hard to believe she was sick since she was always incredibly brave and positive whenever I saw her. A lesson to us all to live life fully. Thank you for sharing her life story and my deep condolences to her large and loving family.

So sorry to learn of this. My deepest condolences to Richie, Tony, and the family. Still remember the wedding and the golden afternoon it was. Maggie laughing and greeting me like an old friend, although we'd never met.

Richie, Maddie, Charlie and Maggie, Thanks for letting us be a part of your family during this remarkable time. "Loving spirits will live forever, we're all just swimming to the other side." The Thiels

To Richie and Family,
I met you both at a dinner party at Barb Norris's home, perhaps 5 years ago. It was a lovely spring night and I remember meeting you 2 and enjoying the evening very much. I felt like I already knew Maggie, she was one of those people that you kind of feel a kindred spirit. I am sorry for your loss. She was really neat.

Love the collective Backus'. Maggie was the bomb's bomb. Engaging, caring, interesting, beautiful. Will be missed VERY much. All our love.

Love the colective Backus'. Maggie was the bomb's bomb, coolest of the cool. Fun, interesting, engaging, caring. Will be missed VERY much. The Schmiedelers.

always a smile....

Richie, Madeline and Charlie, our thoughts and prayers are with now and always. We cherish that fact that we were able to know, love and learn from Maggie! A person with so much to give, say and learn from. She will continue to inspire many! We are so blessed to have know her!

Love,
Jan, Sean, Avery and Harrison

So lovely, the word's and photo.
Don't remember a time I saw anything
other than this beautiful expression on
Maggie's face. I'm blessed to call her friend
Sending you my love.
Richie, Maddie, Charlie and the Murphy/ Backus clan
Stacy and Val, Emmy, Sarah Mckinney

i'll miss ya Magg's---just nowin you were around was a beautiful thing

Fabulous and perfectly wonderful word's for
our darlin girl Maggie.
The beautiful photo.. is the very spirit of Maggie.
Never saw another expression on her face.
Blessed to know her and Richie, Maddie and Charlie
All my heart to the Murphy-Backus clan.
Love
Stacy Mckinney

My favorite memories were at the Bradt/Patrick weekly summer volleyball games. Maddie was a little girl and so sweet and cute while Maggie and Richie simply being so wonderfully fabulous. Richie, my thoughts are deeply with you and your amazing kids that are clearly shining examples of both of their parents.

Madeleine and family - So sorry to hear the news. Cherish the happy memories!

-Marge

Maggie was the person I always asked to help me at Framewoods. Her eye for beauty, her laugh and her sense of humor made a difficult decision seem easy, breezy. My heart goes out to her family. Maggie will be fondly remembered...with my glass held high.

It was my privilege to work with Maggie at the Lawrence Arts Center and to get to know her family when the children were small. Maggie was a special person. I will miss seeing her and will always remember her. Love to her family and friends at this sad time.

Richie and family, we are so sorry to hear of Maggie's passing. She was always such a bright light of happiness no matter what she was going through. We will miss her wonderful smile and energy. We wish you much peace and love.
Kouloukis Family

my biggest sorrow is I didn't get to know her-met her briefly twice once Tims Cycle and bike show at fairgrounds-I too fell inlove instantly-what a beautiful person

Beautiful woman, wonderful last words.

I send my heartfelt sympathies to Maggie's family and friends. I wasn't aware that she was ill so I was shocked to see her obituary in the paper. After reading the obit, I realized that she lived life to the fullest and while I am sad to know that she has passed, I was happy to know her and realize that she had a well-lived life.

Jane Freeman
State Farm Insurance

"Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy."
The stars are shining more brightly now, Maggie. I know I'll see your sparkling eyes and stunning smile whenever I look up at the night sky.

We met Maggie only a few times; however, they were lasting and meaningful moments. Our heart-felt sympathy for Richie and her dear children.

Fred and Carolyn Gilhousen

Maggie was such a beautiful person, in all senses of the word. We will miss her dearly. Love to her family.

Dear sweet Maggie.... Thank you for bringing laughter in our lives. You will truly be missed. I send my condolences to the family. Rest in peace sweet Maggie... Your radiance will always shine...

Our deepest condolences to the family. She was such an extraordinary person. A very sad day. We will keep the family in our prayers.
Grazyna and Chris Wojcik

Maggie inspired me over too many years as she fought back against the illness that ultimately took her and fought FOR her life with her family. She inspires me anew with the reading of this remembrance. Yes, Maggie. Onward!

Lawrence and our community has lost a truly extraordinary woman. Our hearts and love go out to Richard, Maddie, and Charlie.

Kenn, Cyndy, and Seth

Praying for you and your family Rich. Very sorry for your loss.
Glenda Reid Harrison
Amy Reid Fischer

Our thoughts are with the family and all the friends of Maggie

This is about the coolest obituary I've ever read. Sounds like she was a most wonderful and very satisfied lady. My condolences to your family in your loss. I know you have many happy memories of your time together.

Thank you for your smile, your laughter, your wicked sense of humor. Thank you for befriending me, for sharing beers and stories, for including me in so many great conversations. Thank you for showing us all how to meet terrible adversity with grace, strength, and optimism. Thank you for being, inimitably, you. You live in all of us, in so many ways, and we promise to hold your memory, and your family, close. With great love and affection, I think I speak for many here when I say, well done, Maggie dear, well done.

Wow, I never new Maggie, I only clicked on this link because her picture reached out to me. I have never sent a condolence about someone I didn't even know. But I can only imagine how she would have touched me in real life based on what a still picture conveyed. To her children: treasure every moment and be committed to living your lives with the inexpressible joy and infectious fun your mother passed around freely. Have a free spirit and know that her spirit is with you always. Never lament what is gone, just count yourself lucky for what you had.

Deepest condolences to Richie and family. I'm so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful written tribute to her.

I knew Maggie from our Framewoods days. I loved her stories and her spirit and will truly miss her. She was beautiful. Peace to the family.

I've met few people more alive than Maggie. She'll be missed. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.

Dear sweet Maggie...thank you for bringing laughter into our lives.... You truly will be missed. I send my condolences to the family. Rest in peace sweet Maggie.

I have no idea who you were, Ms. Backus, but after reading your obit, please know that I wish I did. You lived an amazing life and I am truly saddened for those that will miss you. God-speed...

What a wonderful obituary. She truly was that person. So inspiring. She will be missed by all that know and love her.

So sorry for your loss.

What a truly remarkable person. If we could all live life like Maggie, the world would be a better place.

You've always been a sweetheart, Maggie. All my strength and sympathy to Richie and the kids.

I remember Maggie Murphy from her early years in Lawrence, in the mid-80s. She was a very cool chick, lots of fun to know and laugh with. R.I.P. Maggie. Rob

Maggie's love and beauty will reverberate throughout the lives of those who knew her.

All my love to the Backus and Murphy families. Any of us who got to know Maggie are better for it.

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Fly Maggie, fly!

Our prayers have been and will continue to be with Maggie and her seemingly amazing family. I loved reading the words written about Maggie's life in the obit. I knew Maggie in high school and the description of her written today, epitomizes my memory of her during those teen years. She was so spontaneous and with a wicked sharp sense of humor. Maggie could always crack me up. Heck, she could get the entire class laughing hysterically, in the teacher's presence, and then she wouldn't even get in trouble for doing it!
Back then, she lived life to the fullest… and I'm not surprised to know she live that way her whole entire life!!
We should all be more like Maggie! I'm sure her energy is surrounding her loved ones right now, trying to lighten their grief, cheer them up and let them know she is actually doing GREAT!!!
Sending you all prayers of peace and love,
Kathleen Jasper Cameron
Viz '82

Always a shining light in my heart! "Maggie Murphy will be queen all the ships will be painted green, when Ireland gets her home rule" my Dad used to sing this to Maggie whenever we met--usually on the basketball court at Lourdes. THere was always a sparkle in Maggie's eye and she always led with her heart. This is a beautiful memory to have from a beautiful soul.

You will be sorely missed, Maggie

Maggie took my breath away and I never met her. She will continue to bless us with her outrageous spirit and courage.

Though we didn't know Maggie personally, our hearts go out to her family and friends. She sounds like a remarkable person.

Praying for your family, in hopes that you will find comfort in your cherished memories; and hope in the knowledge that families are forever.

I wish I had known you better, your optimism, tenacity and love in the face of adversity inspired us all.

My favorite Murphy, my favorite Backus, my favorite person. I feel lucky that I will always have her with me, with her smile and her intense concern and passion. She was a great adviser to me.

How do we fill this blank page? Maggie fills it and she will keep filling it, just differently,that smile, forever.
Love to Richie, Maddie, Charlie and all of Maggie's family and friends.

One fabulous lady I truly admire

Angie Blair

With love, David, Josh, Dan, and Jane Backus Gelernter

Maggie was and is an inspiration to so many of us. Her courage and even humor as she took her difficult journey were amazing. We'll miss you, Maggie, but forever you'll be in our hearts.

What a lovely person. This world will be a little less without her. My thoughts are with her family and close friends. We all should try to be more like her, to live life, to love well. Thanks, Maggie, for sharing your life with us, only for so short a time.