Joseph J. Cook “Teho nen tat the”

AKWESASNE – Mr. Joseph J. Cook, age 81, of 133 Cook Road, passed Saturday morning, August 13, 2011 at Tsiionkwanonhso:te, Cornwall Island Long Term Care Facility. He had been in failing health since November.

Joe was born December 18, 1929 in Akwesasne, the son of John and Rose Tarbell Cook. He was raised by Angus and Mary Ann Cook and their family. He first attended the old Indian School at the Curleyhead residence before going to the new Mohawk School. On June 26, 1954, he married Louise David at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. LaLonde, S.J., officiating.

Joe was a construction worker, having worked on the St. Lawrence Seaway Project, the missile bases in Adirondacks, and the Love Canal in Niagara Falls. He later became a pipefitter working for Skelly Contractors in Ogdensburg, working at various colleges and prisons in the North Country. Joe was forced to retire at age 50 due to declining health. He was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church. He was an honorary life member of the Father Michael K. Jacobs Knights of Columbus Council #10423, Akwesasne and the Our Lady of Victory Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly #711 in Malone. In addition, he was also a member of the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens, where enjoyed going and visiting with his many friends. He also enjoyed playing bingo, watching his grandson, Angus, play various sports, helping mother earth, and watching different sporting events on television. He was an avid bottle collector and watching his grandkids, loved to do gardening, and was a wine maker, especially dandelion wine for his dear friend, Barney Cole. In recent months, he taught jigging dances to the staff at Iakhihsohtha. Joe also loved to tell stories to see if you would believe him.

Joe is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Louise; his children, Julie Jacobs and her husband, Robert; Michael Cook and his companion, Lori Rouselle, all of Akwesasne; Janice Bernadette Cook of Flint, MI; and Dr. Joyce Cook and her husband, Robert Thai of Glen Cove, Long Island. He is also survived by his 4 grandchildren, Hilary Jacobs, Angus Cook, and Andrew and Peter Thai; a chosen son, Darryl Martin and his family; a chosen daughter, Lisa Rouselle Jacobs; and his chosen grandchildren, Lyndie, Jim, and Tiffany Brann and Kristen and Courtney Jacobs.

In addition, Joe is survived by his brothers, Dr. Solomon Cook of Akwesasne and Ronald and Norma Degonzaque of Phoenix, AZ; his sister, Cecelia Conlin of St. Petersburg, FL; and many nieces and nephews. Joe and Louise also raised foster children, Crystal, Jan, and Joy who also survive.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his siblings, Ann Parish, Christine Dempsey, Lillian Palmer, Julia Daniels; James Basil and Nancy Cook, Walter, Bobby, and David Degonzaque; and a nephew, Albert Tarbell.

Friends called at the Akwesasne Homemakers beginning Monday, August 15, 2011 until a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated on Wednesday, August 17, 2011 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jack L. Downs, celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Hogansburg.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Hogansburg-Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department, the Iakhihsohtha, Snye Home for the Elderly or the Tsiionkwanonhso:te, Cornwall Island Long Term Care Facility Activities Fund.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where condolences may be made online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.