Sally Ann Backstrom

                  January 3, 1944 - March 16, 2024

Sally Ann (Ungerman) Backstrom, age 80, of Chanhassen, Minnesota died peacefully on Saturday, March 16, 2024.  

“Some people are so much sunshine to the square inch.”   - Walt Whitman 

Born on January 3, 1944, to Richard and Mae (Craig) Ungerman, Sally was one of six children.  She attended St. Thomas Grade School and Southwest High School in Minneapolis and earned a degree in X-Ray Technology from the University of Minnesota, where she started her career at the University Hospital. Sally would work as an x-ray technician throughout her life, in facilities in Minnesota, California, New York and Colorado.  

Sally married her high school sweetheart, Doug, and they shared a wonderful life and love together for more than 65 years. Their young family was complete as they welcomed two children, Laura, and Greg. They would live in Evergreen Colorado for 25 years, where Sally balanced being a full-time mom and continuing her career. Sally loved the natural, wild beauty of Colorado, and the fact that she could blame the altitude for her less-than-gourmet results in the kitchen. Sally cherished every moment with her family, and her love and admiration for her children was boundless. The family celebrated Doug and Sally’s 55th wedding anniversary on February 15, of this year.  

The world of Sally’s family and friends knows there was something nearly impossible in the amount of life, energy, and pure love that was packed into her tiny frame. Sally, who stood just 4’ 10 ½” and did her shoe-shopping in the kid’s department, entirely filled every room she entered with light and joy. She was larger than life, with a smile that transcended differences and distance, and promised unwavering support and lifelong friendship. A testament to the richness and strength of her devotion, Sally continued to keep up with friends she had made in grade school and high school, meeting regularly as the “Lunch Bunch” to continue the gossip and conversations they began decades ago. For those who were lucky enough to call Sally a friend, it was forever. She will be profoundly missed. 

Sally was preceded in death by her parents and brother Ron Ungerman. She is survived by her adoring husband, Doug; her children, Laura Whitney Backstrom and Greg Backstrom (Brian Farley); siblings, Rick (Mary Jo) Ungerman, Sandy (John) Corbett, Craig (Camille Benjamin) Ungerman, Mary Pat (Greg) Shepherd; and many nieces and nephews.  

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, May 10th, 2024, at 1pm at Lakewood Cemetery Chapel, 3600 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN, with a reception to follow at Lakewood. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Sally’s memory to her “happy place”, the  Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, PO Box 860647, Minneapolis, MN 55486 or