M. Jane (Pliska) Backes, 92, entered eternal life on Sunday December 26, 2010 at Santa Maria Nursing Home in Green Bay. She was born August 29, 1918 in Kenosha to Edwin and Kathrine (Metcalf) O'Brien. Jane was a graduate of Kenosha High School and Whitewater College, where she earned her degree in Business English. Her first teaching job was at Denmark High School where she met and eventually married her first husband, the band director, Richard Pliska. They had one daughter. Jane's family moved to De Pere where they resided for the next 60 years. Jane's teaching career included the St. Francis Parish School, now Notre Dame, the Green Bay Correctional Institution, where she was one of the first female teachers, and N.W.T.C. She was passionate about teaching and said she was fortunate to know many good teachers and students. Her first husband preceded her in death and several years later she married Eugene Backes. They enjoyed 30 years of married life. Gene died in 1992. Jane is survived by her daughter, Margo (Jim) Duffy, two granddaughters, Shannon and Erin (Jeremy) Anclam, two great-grandchildren, India and Liam. She is also survived by numerous, much loved nieces and nephews who live in eleven of our United States. She is preceded in death by her sister, Catherine, her brother Edwin, and another sister, Sister Mary Norbert O.P. According to Jane's wishes, there will be no service. A private memorial for immediate family will be held at a future date. A special thank you to Bob and all the staff at Santa Maria Nursing Home for their wonderful care and concern during Jane's later years. The RYAN FUNERAL HOME of De Pere is assisting the family with arrangements. Please visit www.ryanfh.com to send online condolences to the Backes Family.