Elizabeth P. "Betty" Backo

Elizabeth “Betty” P. Backo, 92 of Tarentum, passed away peacefully, at home with her family by her side on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.  She is the daughter of the late John and Pauline (Karac) Pracko.  Betty lived her entire life in this area where she was a member of  the former St. Clement Church, Tarentum  (Guardian Angels Parish, Holy Martyr’s Church) and later was a Eucharistic Minister.  She also was a member of the Holy Family Prayer Group of Natrona, PA.  A 1947 graduate of St. Joseph High School , Betty was captain for the first all girls’ basketball team.  Upon graduation, she worked at her family’s store in Tarentum, Pracko’s Meat Market.  Betty was a devoted daughter, wife and mother.  Besides being a homemaker she was a teacher’s aide for Allegheny county school district.  Betty enjoyed dancing, live music, Slovak food and traveling throughout the United States and Europe.  She also enjoyed bowling on a duck pin league and playing cards.  She was an avid doll collector and also collected plates and figurines from all of her travels.  She will always be remembered for her classic Thanksgiving Dinners ...room for all.

Survivors include her children, Paula (James) Valicenti, of Tarentum, James Backo of Tarentum and Alice Backo of Tequesta, FL;  3 grandchildren, Marcy, Jonathan and Tony;  10 great grandchildren, Lauren, Brandon, Tyler, Scott, Sydnie, Noah, Alanna, Kyle, Jillian, James and one great great granddaughter, Harper.  Also surviving sister, Margaret M. Eberhart of West Palm Beach, FL.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband John L. Backo, and her siblings, Emil, Bernard, Aloysius, Edward, Francis, Marian Detman, John, Joseph and Richard Pracko.

A special thank you to Heritage Hospice of New Kensington for their excellent and professional care, especially Robert Bolan, RN and Tammy DiCaprio, CNA for their loving care and support.

Visitation will be held on Friday, December 17^th from 2 pm to 4 pm and 6 pm to 8 pm in the Duster Funeral Home, Inc. 347 E 10^th Ave., Tarentum, 724-224-1526.  Christian funeral  mass will be celebrated Saturday at 10 am at Holy Martyr’s Church, Tarentum, PA  Burial will be in Our Lady of Hope Cemetery, Frazer Township. VISIT:  Dusterfh.com  In Lieu of flowers contributions can be made to: Disabled American Veterans,  PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH  45250-9916