Melissa M. Back

Mrs. Melissa M. Back, 79, of 1047 Drum Street Road, Hogansburg, died unexpectedly Thursday evening (January 1, 2009) in the emergency room at Alice Hyde Medical Center.

She was born January 6, 1929 in Hogansburg, the daughter of Peter and Louise McDonald Back. She attended schools on the Reservation and graduated from Bombay High School.

After she graduated from high school she moved to Syracuse, where she worked at Cook’s Coffee Company. She then went to work at Coleman’s Florist in Syracuse for many years. She became disabled and retired at age 60. She moved back to the Reservation 15 years ago. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed bowling, listening to music, visiting with friends on the telephone, and enjoyed her flower garden. She also enjoyed watching basketball and attending games in Syracuse. She loved her cat, Cleo.

She is survived by 2 sisters and brothers-in-law, Katherine and Gerald Gagnier, Plattsburgh; Genevieve and Charles Peters, Snye; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

There were no calling hours. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Monday, January 5, 2008 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. George H. Belgarde, SJ, pastor. Spring burial will be in the Kateri Cemetery, Hogansburg. Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.

Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Regis Catholic Church Memorial Fund.

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