Marjorie R. Garrow Sawatis

AKWESASNE – Mrs. Marjorie R. (Garrow) Sawatis, 73, passed away early Friday morning, July 19, 2013 at Tsiionkwanonhso:te, Cornwall Island Long Term Care Facility, where she had been a resident for the past year.

Marjorie was born July 19, 1940 in Potsdam, the daughter of the late Louis and Violet Oakes Garrow.  She attended Mohawk schools, and took classes at Syracuse University.  For many years, Marjorie was a Mohawk language teacher in Syracuse.  She also was a photographer in Niagara Falls and Dallas at the Tribal Centers.  

Marjorie loved to spend time with her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed doing native beadwork, playing radio bingo, and was an avid gardener.  She loved her dogs and listening to music, having a fondness for Willie Nelson and Rod Stewart. She is survived by her three daughters, Lola Arquette of Racquette Point; Lois and Robert Jordan of Massena; and Linda Jordan of Massena; a daughter in law, Anna Gaytan Sawatis; her grandchildren, Harvey, Jake, and Tony Arquette; Brandy Gray; Robert III, Kelly and Jessie Jordan; Derek Jordan and Kayla Ricker; Robbie, John and Andrew Sawatis; and Jessica Ransom; and 24 great-grandchildren.

Marjorie was predeceased by a son, Robert J. Sawatis in 2009; a grandson, Mitchell Joseph Arquette in 2005; and a sister, Anna Mae Stark.

As per Marjorie’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral services. Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena, NY, where condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com

Memorial contributions may be made in Marjorie’s memory to the Massena Humane Society.