SHARON R. COOK

AKWESASNE – After valiantly battling and beating cancer, Mrs. Sharon R. Cook, 71, of 417 Cook Road, unexpectedly passed away Monday afternoon, February 19, 2018 at Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital.

Sharon, Turtle Clan, was born November 8, 1946 at the family home in Akwesasne, the daughter of the late Peter L. and Marie Cook and attended schools in Rochester. A marriage to Richard Wheeler blessed her with three sons before ending in divorce.

Sharon worked for the Mohawk School for a time before starting with the Partridge House, retiring as the Office Manager with over 20 years of service. She was a member of the Mohawk Nation Longhouse and the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group, where she was a collector. For over 30 years, Sharon was active with Al-Anon, rarely missing a meeting. She cherished the times she spent with her family and friends – visiting, game nights, Scrabble, and going to the movies were her favorite times. She will be fondly remembered for being "on the go" all the time.

Sharon is survived by her sons, David and Elaine Wheeler and Kevin Wheeler, all of Akwesasne; her grandchildren, Kayla and Chris Rosini of Rochester, Andrew and Connor Wheeler of Akwesasne, and Dustin Wheeler of Plattsburgh; and her step-great granddaughter, Quinn Rosini. She is also survived by her sister, Arvella Thomas of Akwesasne; her brothers, Ward and Catherine Cook of Akwesasne, Warren and Joanne Cook of Rochester, and Ronald and Millie Cook of Akwesasne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Richard A. Wheeler, Jr. on September 9, 1999.

Friends may call at her home, 417 Cook Road, beginning 2:00 PM Thursday until 12:00 PM Saturday. Funeral services will be held Saturday 1:00 PM at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse. Burial will follow in Solomon Road Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be to the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group or the Akwesasne Ambulance Service.

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