Nadine (MacDonald) Backhaus

Nadine MacDonald Backhaus, 86, of Green Brook, NJ passed away December 13, 2020 after a near decade-long fight against multiple myeloma.

Nadine, also endearingly known as "BB", Mrs. "B" and Grandma "B", was born in the Borough of Manhattan on July 4, 1934 to the late Anna (Kellogg) and Josiah MacDonald. She attended Midwood High School, Brooklyn, NY and worked at several New York City companies before marrying Lester Backhaus on August 20,1955 in Elizabeth, NJ. They moved to Green Brook in the 1960s where they raised their family of four girls.

During Nadine’s family years, she worked at Burroughs, followed by several decades as a dedicated medical receptionist to Dr. Natalie Sarkanich at Warren Pediatrics, Warren, NJ.

Before and during her retirement Nadine was a regular bowler, active in a league for many seasons.  She also enjoyed a wide range of activities including group games like Rummikub and cards, attending and shopping at craft shows, Halloween (costumes!) and Christmas events, as well as the Green Brook Seniors club and the travelling seniors of North Plainfield. Nadine travelled extensively to see family and on tours to Hawaii, Europe, and Australia, plus regular trips to the Jersey shore.  She was a lifelong owner and lover of dogs and could often be seen walking with them. There was never a dog she didn't introduce herself to and hug.

Nadine frequented her favorite local eating establishments, especially Mr. Assante’s, the Mountainview Diner, Texas Weiner and more recently Perkins Pancake House, along with movies and theatre joined by her loyal friend, Ellen Lodato. She perfected people watching and couldn't get enough of her grandchildren and great-grandkids, enjoying them all.

Nadine was a strong woman who instilled a sense of independence in her daughters, as well as encouraged and supported her grandchildren to pursue their talents and individual paths.  She was there for their games, shows, birthdays, graduations, weddings and special moments.

Nadine is preceded in death by her beloved husband Lester Backhaus, her mother Anna Weinstock, father Josiah MacDonald and stepfather David Weinstock. She is survived by her four daughters and their husbands: Linda and Samuel Alexander, Dawn and Mark Lewis; Jo-Ann and Richard Neff; and Lori and Gregory Sanchez; 10 grandchildren: Samuel Alexander and Elaine Nadeau; Tara Mazzarella and Kelly Lewis; Carolyn, Robert and Brian Neff; Melissa, Christopher and Mathew Sanchez; and five great-grandchildren: Aaron and Ava Nadeau; Jordan Alexander; and Violet and Jude Mazzarella.

 A virtual memorial service will be held at Sheenan Funeral Home Tuesday December 22, 2020 and an in-person memorial gathering will be held at a future date.

Donations may be made in Nadine’s name to the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center at Overlook Hospital, Summit NJ, www.overlookfoundation.org/donate-now or the Penny Lane Dog Adoption and Senior Sanctuary, www.pennylaneadopt.com

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