ECAC mourns death of former ECAC longtime staff member Joy Backholm
CAPE COD, Mass. - Former Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) longtime staff member Joy Backholm passed away this weekend at the age of 66.
Backholm worked at the ECAC for more than 25 years, retiring in 2009. Backholm was the administrative assistant for men's and women's basketball and softball during her time at the ECAC. In early October, she was honored at the ECAC Convention and Trade Show for her dedication and service to the conference.
"The ECAC mourns the loss of Joy," said ECAC Commissioner Rudy Keeling. "On behalf of the entire staff, and ECAC family, we send our deepest condolences to her family. She will be sorely missed."
Backholm, 66, of Hyannis, died on Dec. 19, 2009.
She was the wife of the late Bruce E. Backholm; loving mother of Tammy Backholm of Orleans, Scott A. Backholm and his wife, Nicole, of Dennis, and P.K. Backholm and his wife, Wendy, of Westfield; and sister of Karen Kurland and her husband, Chuck of Marstons Mills, and Kent Sandquist and his wife, Carole of Dennis. Joy also leaves seven grandchildren, Nicole and Courtney Dubois, Caitlin and Jessica Backholm, and Alexis, Rylee and Bruce E. Backholm II; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Joy was born on Dec. 20, 1942, in Worcester, and was a graduate
of North High School. She was a longtime employee of Barnstable
Middle School and ECAC, from which she recently retired. 
Joy has lived on Cape Cod since 1971 where she loved the beach and boating.
Memorial visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 22, in the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Route 28), Marstons Mills. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 23, in the First Lutheran Church, Route 6A, West Barnstable.
Donations in her memory may be made to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701; or to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Attn: Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.
