Sandra "Sandy" M. Backman Durand

Sandra “Sandy” M. Backman Durand passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on January 7, 2026

Sandy was born on July 17, 1941, to Horace Backman and Eula Johnson. She graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Sandy married Michael (Mick) Eoff, and they had two children (Pamela M. Eoff and Sean T. Eoff), but later divorced.

Sandy met Mike Durand, the love of her life, on a blind date. On March 31, 1972, Michael J. Durand and Sandra M. Backman were married in Las Vegas, NV. Later, Mike got custody of his two children (Michael J. Durand, Jr. and Scott D. Durand), and they became a true blended family. During their long 52 years of marriage, Sandy and Mike loved spending time with each other. Sandy was devastated when Mike passed away in May 2024.

After high school, Sandy worked as a telephone operator for the phone company. She also cut diamonds for Christensen Diamonds. Many years later, she was a Quality Analyst for American Express Travelers' Cheques.

Sandy's lifetime job was to take care of her family, and she was wonderful at it. She had a kind soul and was a great friend. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends.

Sandy was an excellent cook and was famous for her Mississippi mud cake, rum balls, a variety of fudge, yummy potatoes, and fried chicken. Her home was always the place to be, especially during the holidays, for extended family and friends. Sandy kept her home immaculate and decorated in a way that everyone wanted to duplicate all of her decor.

Sandy's main hobby was painting (oil, watercolors, and acrylics), and everything she created was a work of art. She was very creative and could draw, design, and paint anything.

Sandy was preceded in death by her parents, the love of her life, Mike, and her son Scott.

She is survived by her children: Pam (Trudy), Sean (Yoana), Mike Jr., and her sister-in-law, Carolyn Durand.

She is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a niece and nephew.

A special thanks to Enhabit Hospice and her nurse, Miwa, who helped her family tremendously.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

A message to Sandy: You will be greatly missed by all of your family and friends.