NANCY J. THOMPSON

Nancy J. Thompson, a wonderful, kind-hearted retired Mohawk Language teacher from AMS (Akwesasne Mohawk School), passed away on her birthday, the morning of June 22, 2017. She left behind three chosen sons, Johan of Massena, Eric (Megan) of North Carolina and Peter Kaskela of Henrietta, NY, one brother, Daniel Thompson of Akwesasne and his daughter Kaherawaks Thompson, three sisters, Lillian (Gary) Lefebvre of Onchiota, NY and their sons Jeffrey (Lauren) and John (Barb) Lefebvre, Eva (John) Fadden of Onchiota, NY and their sons Donald, David (Marg) and Daniel (Kim) Fadden, Marita Thompson of Akwesasne and her daughters Jebby (Lenny) and Leah Thompson, as well as one chosen sister Sharon Garrow. Three chosen grandchildren (Eric and Megan) Olive, Finn and Ryder Kaskela. Great nieces, Veronica, Autumn, Sunny, Summer, Lillyana, Hailey and Amber. Great nephews, Ian, Evan and Wishe.

She was pre-deceased by an infant sister Hazel Kawisonhawi and a brother at birth, her mother Elizabeth Thompson in 2006, her father John R. Thompson in 1978, and her niece Sunny Wenniseriiostha Thompson in 1984.

Nancy was very athletic in her youth. Her favorite game was softball. She played softball in local leagues until she was in her 40's. She was a faculty member of St. Lawrence College, Kingston campus, and taught Native Arts, Crafts and Culture to Native inmates in the mid 1970's. Later she began her career as a Mohawk Language teacher in Massena Central Schools and also taught at the Potsdam State University when they offered her the position as Mohawk language teacher. She later worked at the Akwesasne Mohawk School on Kawehno:ke (Cornwall Island). She encouraged two other Native speaking residents to become Mohawk teachers, which was something very important to her. She was concerned about the loss of the Mohawk language. She stayed at AMS until she retired.

Nancy enjoyed her retirement at her camp in Lisbon, NY where she spent many fine days fixing it up and hosting barbecues with friends or large family get-togethers as well as camping, fishing, swimming and boating. She was funny and the kindest, most generous person you could ever meet. She had a great love for children and one of her most prized awards is when she was voted "Teacher of the Year" at AMS by the students.

Arrangements under the care and direction of LAHAIE AND SULLIVAN, CORNWALL FUNERAL HOME, WEST BRANCH, 20 Seventh Street West, (613-932-2841). Resting at the Homemakers Center, Snye QC, from 2 pm Thursday June 29, 2017. Funeral Friday June 30, 2017 for Mass of Christian Burial at St. Regis Church at 11am. As expressions of sympathy memorial donations to CHEO or the OSPCA would be appreciated by the family. Messages of Condolence may be left at http://www.lahaiesullivan.ca.