WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. —  Mary Ann Backiel, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully on July 11th at the age of 90. She was born on November 14, 1934, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Walter and Agnes Komuniecki.

From a young age, Mary Ann was known for her energy, independence, and athleticism—whether it was speed skating through cold Massachusetts winters or racing on her bicycle through the streets of New England. She grew up immersed in the warmth of her family’s bakery, Komuniecki’s Kent Ave Bakery, where her father, a professionally trained baker from Poland, instilled in her a lifelong love for the craft. The joy of having fresh pastries from the family bakery was a delight she shared with her siblings and cousins, and that same joy was passed down lovingly to her own children and grandchildren through her incredible homemade treats.

Mary Ann pursued higher education with dedication, earning both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA), ultimately receiving a master’s in education. It was during her college years that she met the love of her life, Mitchie Backiel, while attending the University of Massachusetts in the mid-1950s. The two were married in 1957 while stationed at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas, where Mitchie had been called to serve and teach during his military service.

After Mitchie’s three years of service, the couple returned to Pittsfield, where they built their life together and raised three children: Mark, Matthew, and Martha Kane. As a mother, Mary Ann poured her energy into raising a tight-knit, loving family. She also began a remarkable career in education, teaching history at Lenox Memorial High School for nearly 30 years. She was known for being a passionate educator who brought the world into her classroom—not only through her lessons but also through her own travels.

Mary Ann was the recipient of multiple Fulbright Scholarships, which took her to countries such as the Soviet Union, China, Japan, Israel and Poland; experiences that enriched both her teaching and her understanding of the world. She was always curious, always learning, and always eager to share what she discovered.

After retiring from teaching, Mary Ann turned her full attention to her most cherished role: being a grandmother to her three grandchildren - Hannah Backiel, Brennan Kane, and Alex Backiel - she was not just a grandmother, but a second mother. Wednesdays after school spent at her house were filled with comfort, care, and the same sense of stability and love that she had always given so freely. Her investment of time, wisdom, and unconditional support helped shape the lives of the next generation in profound ways.

Mary Ann remained active and adventurous throughout her life. Her love for biking continued well into her later years, and she never lost her deep affection for the outdoors and camping. These passions became family traditions—passed down to her children and grandchildren—who carry her legacy forward with every hike, campfire, and bike ride.

Those who knew Mary Ann will remember her as generous, nurturing, intellectually curious, and deeply devoted to her family. Her impact was quiet but profound—woven into the successes, kindness, and strength of the family she so carefully and lovingly built. She gave endlessly of herself, and in doing so, created a family whose bonds and values stand as a living tribute to the woman at its heart.

Her life was a beautiful example of love in action. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com