Ann L. Backovich

Ann L. Backovich passed away on July 6, 2025, after a brave battle with cancer; she was 91.

Ann was born in Watsonville to George Backovich and Lucielle (née Strazicich). She lived in Watsonville for her entire life. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in 1951 as class president and San Jose State University in 1955 with a Bachelor's Degree in Education and a minor in Music. She was an elementary school teacher for 46 years, teaching at McQuitty, Bradley and Mintie White Elementary Schools in Watsonville. Ann remained close to many of her students over the years and they all held a special place in her heart.

Ann was a devoted Catholic and an active member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, YLI, a 50-year member of Delta Kappa Gamma's Zeta Epsilon Chapter, Watsonville Women's Club, and S.A.C.O. She was a great lover of the arts and music, and played piano. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. Ann also enjoyed playing Bingo with her church friends. She was an avid reader and a world traveler. Traveling to nearly every region of the world. She particularly enjoyed Hawaii and Hong Kong. Ann had a sharp mind and wit and was always quick with a story. Ann loved all animals but had a particular love and devotion to cats.

Ann is survived by her cousins: Sister Florence Cumbelich of Mission San Jose, Diane and Skip Gribble of Santa Cruz, Roxie Gribble Wilday of Santa Cruz, Leeland and Rozilyn Wilday of Santa Cruz, Paul Saban of Dublin, Peter and John Saban of Oakland, John, George, Ellen and Kathy Scurich, Annette and Peter Car; and many other lifelong friends and cousins related to her on the Strazicich side of her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her aunts: Lena and Irene Strazicich of Watsonville and Angie (née Strazicich) Cumbelich; and cousin John Cumbelich, who died in the Korean War.

A viewing will be held at Mehl's Colonial Chapel from 2:00 pm and 9:00 pm, and Rosary will begin at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Patrick's Catholic Church at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 17, 2025. Interment to follow at Valley Catholic Cemetery.

Donations in Ann's name can be made to the S.A.C.O. Scholarship Fund.

Published in The Pajaronian · July 9, 2025