Sandra Backstrom

Sandra Ann Backstrom (Smith) was born on January 23, 1947, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Hugh and Ouida Smith. She received her early education at Mason Elementary School and went on to graduate from David G. Farragut Academy.

Sandra was passionate about education and dedicated her life to inspiring and supporting students. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Education, with a major in English, from Chicago State University. She later continued her education and earned a Master of Science degree in Special Education from Northeastern University.

Sandra devoted 34 years of service to the Chicago Public Schools, where she proudly served as an educator at Durso Elementary School. Her commitment to education extended well beyond her retirement. Even after retiring from Chicago Public Schools, Sandra continued to share her knowledge and passion for teaching by working as a substitute English teacher throughout all of Chicago Public Schools.

Sandra will be lovingly remembered for her dedication to education, her commitment to her students, and the lasting impact she made throughout her many years of service.

Affectionately known as “NaNa” by her family, Sandra was a quiet and gentle woman whose soft voice and warm, affectionate smile brightened every room she entered. She enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune, playing board games, reading, going to the casino and spending cherished time with her family.

On August 20, 2026, God whispered to His beloved angel and called Sandra home. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Leslie Backstrom; her parents, Hugh and Ouida Smith; her brother, Robert; her sisters, Evelyn and Martha; and her granddaughter, Amber.

Sandra leaves to cherish her memory her beloved children, Tracey Backstrom and Christopher Backstrom; her God-daughters Angela Reed, Lisa Armstrong; her sister, Barbara, affectionately known as “Helen”; her grandson, DeAndre Trent (Tiara); her granddaughter, Cierra Sargent (Jeremy); her loving great-grandchildren; her dear friends, MaeAlice and Arnita; as well as a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and cherished friends.

Sandra’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

The family of Sandra Ann Backstrom would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt expressions of love and support through phone calls, texts, visits, social media, flowers, cards, words of encouragement and prayers. We love and appreciate you all.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Sandra Backstrom, please visit our floral store.