Karen Ann Terrance

AKWESASNE - Mrs. Karen Ann Terrance, 65, of 34 Laughing Road, Racquette Point, unexpectedly passed away on Monday afternoon, December 14, 2009 at Massena Memorial Hospital, where she had been admitted on Saturday evening.

She was born July 14, 1944 in Syracuse, the daughter of George Sr. and Christine Herne Bigtree. She attended St. Regis Mohawk and Salmon River Central School. She married Gilbert J. Terrance on November 18, 1961 at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Jacobs, officiating.

Karen first worked making basketballs at a factory in Buffalo. After working as a bus driver for Massena Central Schools for a short time, she became a custodian for Health Care Service and was also a Home care worker. She was a professional garage saler, who loved fishing and playing radio bingo. She also enjoyed listening to her scanner, spending time with her grandchildren, doing beadwork, flower gardening, and quilting.

She is survived by her husband, Gilbert; 5 children, Gilbert Jr, Akwesasne; Mark and Mary Jo, Akwesasne; Curtis and Delia, Sugar Bush Island; Derek and Jeni, Akwesasne; Tammy Terrance and Nick Elijah, Akwesasne; 12 grandchildren, Kyle, Tawi, Cara, Toren, Alex, Albert, Justin, Geena, Thomas, Tahnaokato, Thihanekarens, Tharonhiokwas; 1 great grandchild, Tethoiohns; a chosen sister, Sharon Thompson, Hogansburg; a brother, Thelbert Bigtree, Hogansburg; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by 3 brothers, George “Juddy” Bigtree, Jr. on January 11, 1993, Ramon Bigtree on October 8, 2004, and William “Billy” Bigtree in 1982.

Friends may call at the family home beginning Wednesday 4:00 PM until 10:00 AM Friday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 11:00 AM at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. George H. Belgarde, S.J., celebrating. Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance or the Hogansburg/Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department.

Condolences may be made online at http://[email protected]