Ethel R Oakes

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Ethel R Oakes-Kio hon wa the of the Mohawk Nation Turtle Clan.

Ethel was born on May 3, 1926 in Etobicoke, Ontario to the late Charlotte L Oakes (Warisose) of Akwesasne and the late George Haines.

Ethel is the last of her siblings; Leona Strength, Mabel News, Violet Sahanation, Clara Garrow, Jeffery News and Gabe Oakes.

She was predeceased by three children, Charlotte (nee Thomas) Mahaffey, Lee Fravel and Ralph K Fravel.

Ethel lived most of her life on the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory. She loved the St Lawrence River, gardening, bird watching and making Native American beadwork with family and friends.

She was always willing to help anyone who needed it; she had a kind and sweet spirit. She helped the Clanmother for the Turtle Clan at the Mohawk Nation Longhouse.

Ethel raised her children on a farm in Morristown, NY before moving to Akwesasne at the family homestead in Racquette Point. Later, she moved to Sandy Creek to be closer to her children.

Ethel R Oakes is survived by her children; Leon Thomas (Jr) & Cindy Adsit of Altmar, NY, George and Kathy Thomas of Parish, NY, Iris Fravel of Akwesasne, NY, Theodora (Teddi) Fravel of Gouverneur, NY, Harrison (Harry) of Sandy Creek, NY, Norma McDougall of Lacona, NY and Orin & Cherry Fravel of Sandy Creek, NY. Two nieces Selena Smoke and Angeline (Angie) King both of Akwesasne. Ethel has 24 grandchildren and many, many great grandchildren and great great grandchildren.

She will be missed by all.

Calling Hours will be Sunday March 25, 2018 from1-3pm at Summerville Funeral Home. Burial will be at Stone Church Cemetery, Ogdensburg, NY at a later date.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ethel R Oakes, please visit our floral store.