Obituary: Kathy Houchins Backus, 66, Of Ridgefield

Information and Photo Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Kathy Houchins Backus, 66, of Ridgefield, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 30, 2024.

Kathy was born in San Antonio, TX, on Jan. 1, 1958. She grew up in Jacksonville, FL, and was the daughter of Lyndalu Webb and Roy Houchins. She attended Mary Baldwin University where she graduated in three years with a degree in sociology. She moved to Ridgefield in 1985 and welcomed two daughters, Shannon and Megan. A powerful conversion to Catholicism in 1996 changed her life and propelled her to earn her master's degree in theology from Sacred Heart University. She wrote her thesis about Purgatory and wrote a moving memoir based on her life and faith journey.

A longtime resident of Ridgefield, for 21 years Kathy dedicated her life as a religion teacher at St. Mary’s School, where she taught grades 5-8 and provided spiritual direction for the entire school. Kathy’s impact through her teaching is immeasurable. Countless lives have been touched by her passion for her faith and what she said was her calling – to educate and bring others close to God.

Kathy loved her daughters to pieces and said her greatest joy in life was being a mother. She was devoted to her two daughters and was thrilled to become a Mimi. She adored spending time with her grandchildren, who brought her so much happiness. She loved music and never stopped dancing, even in her final days. She was also a proud dog mom to Lucy, her bichon frise, who brought her years of comfort and companionship. Kathy had a wonderful sense of humor, loved decorating for the seasons, taking walks and attending daily mass. She was a light to all who knew her and an inspiration in how she faced her final years with grace, strength and resilience.

Kathy is survived by her two daughters: Shannon De Ycaza and her spouse, Tony De Ycaza; and Megan Backus Florio and her spouse, Jonathan Florio; as well as her grandchildren Logan De Ycaza, Caelan DeYcaza, and Elia Backus Florio. She is also survived by her sister, Kris Askew and her spouse, Scott Askew, as well as her two nephews Walt and Wade Askew. Kathy was predeceased by her parents Lyndalu Webb and Roy Houchins.

A Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 4, in Saint Mary's Church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Kathy's memory may be made to ALS United Connecticut - 4 Oxford Road, Suite E4; Milford, CT 06460, or online here.