Selena M. Smoke

Akwesasne: Selena M. Smoke, 93, of St. Regis Road, passed away on November 21, 2023 at Cornwall Community Hospital with her family by her side.

Selena was born December 26, 1929 in Akwesasne, the daughter of the late George and Clara (News) Garrow. She attended St. Regis Mohawk School and later graduated from Massena Highschool in 1947. Selena married Edward Smoke on December 5, 1957 at the Methodist Parsonage. He later predeceased her on December 21, 2008.

Selena worked at Warner Brothers as a seamstress, then later was a dedicated Homemaker where she provided for her many children and then later for her grandchildren. Selena loved hosting family gatherings, having all her family in one place until her family outgrew her home.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church in Akwesasne where she was a former Treasurer and Trustee.  Selena was a proud charter member of the Akwesasne Library, which she worked with members from St. Lawrence University and other members of Akwesasne to establish and bring a public library to Akwesasne for future generations to enjoy. Selena also sat on the St. Regis Mohawk School board of education, where she advocated for equal representation on the school board for Mohawk students of Akwesasne, and later assisted in securing college degrees for those who wanted them. Selena is remembered as a mover and shaker for the members of Akwesasne in the 70's.  

She enjoyed taking her children to their many sporting events as well as gardening, line dancing and cooking. Selena also loved taking her husband Eddie to watch their grandchildren's sporting events, and loved holding and watching all the newest additions to the Smoke Family.

Selena is also remembered lovingly for her strong and angelic singing voice, which she used often while singing with the Church choir, and Akwesasne Mohawk Singers as well as while cooking, cleaning, and reading.

Selena is survived by her children, Larry (Sherry) Garrow; Terry (Linda) Garrow, Doug (Diane) Smoke, Carolyn (John) Francis; Edward (Rena) Smoke and Barbra (Mike) Smoke-Thompson, all of Akwesasne; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by a daughter, Kathleen Smoke; three sisters, Olive Simpson, Rebecca Smith and Angeline King; two brothers, Robert and Webster Garrow.

Family and friends called at the Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena. Funeral Services took place on Tuesday at the United Methodist Church in Akwesasne. Burial followed in the Methodist Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the care of the Donaldson Funeral Home in Massena where memories and condolences may be shared online with the family at www.donaldsonfh.com