Josephine Back

Mrs. Josephine Iosonnaiewas “Josie” Leaf Back, age 67, of 440 River Road, Akwesasne, died unexpectedly Saturday afternoon (October 25, 2008) at her home.

She was born October 28, 1940 on Cornwall Island, the daughter of Frank K. and Agnes Jocko Leaf. She attended schools on Cornwall Island. Josie married Peter A. Back on November 23, 1957 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Jacobs, SJ, officiating.

She worked as a janitor for the schools on Cornwall Island. She also worked at one time in the kitchen at the NY Café in Cornwall and the Sealtest Plant in North Lawrence. Josie also worked at Patty and Ray’s Hotel and the Mohawk School in Akwesasne. She also ran her own catering business at one time. She was a member of the Kanonsesne Longhouse, Hogansburg, and enjoyed making quilts. She also enjoyed sewing, cooking, and spending time at the river. She was very involved in the community and enjoyed politics. Some of her greatest enjoyments were spending time with her grand and great grandchildren, and “running the roads”.

Josie is survived by her husband, Peter, Sr .; a daughter, Julia Back-Skidders, Racquette Point; 3 sons and 2 daughters-in-law, Joseph A. and Diedre Back, Akwesasne; Abraham C. “Plum” and Melarina Back, Akwesasne; Peter A. Back, Sr., Akwesasne; a chosen daughter, Vicki Herne, Akwesasne; 14 grandchildren, Kathleen, Julianne, Samantha, Sarahlee, Larrilee, Lana, Troy, Travis, Toby, Chad, Teka, Tyson, Sterling, Tianna; 7 great grandchildren, Kevelin, Kayla, Amya, Travala, Layla, Jaylee, and Dreden; 11 siblings and their spouses, Margaret and Robert Thompson, Cornwall Island; Pauline and Frank Thompson, Cornwall Island; Marilyn and Thomas Francis, Cornwall Island; Sheila Leaf, Cornwall Island; Pearl Leaf, Racquette Point; Catherine Leaf and Jeff Lauzon, Frogtown; Francis Leaf, St. Regis, Quebec; Patrick “Bucky” (Cecelia) Leaf, Cornwall Island; Frank K. Leaf, Jr, Cornwall Island; Brian Leaf and Missy Thompson, Cornwall Island; Kenny Leaf, Cornwall Island; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a grandson, Wayne Nelson Skidders, and 2 brothers, Franklin Joseph Leaf, on November 7, 1970 and George “Porky” Leaf on September 9, 1997, and a sister, Mary Bova, January 18, 2007, and a niece, Valerie Bova.

Services will be held upon the return of her cremated remains. The family invites friends to the family home to share memories of Josie and express their condolences from now until the time of the 10 day feast. Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.

Condolences may be made online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.