Ethel Wise Backenstose

Ethel Wise Backenstose, 89, of Honey Brook, PA passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on Friday April 17, 2026. She shared 50 years of marriage with the late William H. Backenstose who passed in 2011. She was the daughter of the late Jay H. and Rhoda Trego Wise and was the third eldest of nine children. Ethel was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She is survived by a son, Timothy R. (Holly) Backenstose of Downingtown, PA, a daughter, Tammy (Gregory) Deranleau of Conifer, CO, three grandchildren, Amanda Backenstose, Hunter (Jessie) Backenstose, Camille Deranleau, one great-granddaughter, Stevie Backenstose, her sister Marlene Recchiuti, her brother Tom Wise, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by six siblings: Mary Neal, Pearl Valerie Ford, Eleanor Wise, Dorothy Wise, Betty Wise, and Bill Wise.

Family remembers Ethel as a fierce Scrabble competitor who loved to laugh, a classy fashionista, and an extraordinary cook and hostess who could rival the best. She was an early adopter of health and fitness trends and loved to exercise and take her supplements. Her home was always welcoming and her social calendar full, as she loved entertaining friends and family.

A life-long resident of Chester County, Ethel graduated from Scott High School in 1955 where she enjoyed singing with the Meistersingers. Ethel worked as a secretary at Lukens Steel for over a decade and then attended cosmetology school after which she operated her own in-home beauty salon from 1966-2005. Her loyal patrons were blessed by her genuine warmth, finding in her a friend who cherished them as deeply as they did her.

Ethel's artistic skills reached far beyond her beauty salon. She was an active member of the Flying Colors Artists group where she exhibited her oil and watercolor paintings in many local art shows. She even helped to paint a set for a church theatre production. Ethel delighted in outdoor adventures such as boating on the Chesapeake Bay, playing tennis, skiing, snowmobiling, and traveling. An adventurer at heart, Ethel continued to embrace her favorite activities well into her later years.

Ethel cared deeply for her local community. She served on the Coatesville Area School Board in the 1980's and was a calming presence during a difficult time. She attended Upper Octorara Presbyterian Church for many years, then Oxford Presbyterian Church where she served as a deacon, and finally Tel Hai Chapel. She lived her life with unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as her personal Savior and was a role model for all who knew her.

Despite the challenges brought on by Alzheimer’s, Ethel continued to recognize, love, and laugh with those closest to her. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Tel Hai Retirement Community and Grane Hospice, whose care brought comfort in her final days. In lieu of flowers the family requests your support of the Alzheimer's Association: https://www.alz.org/.

Ethel’s life was a portrait of generosity, love, and joy. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit will forever illuminate the hearts of all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 15th at 1pm at the Tel Hai Chapel, 1200 Tel Hai Circle, Honey Brook, PA 19344