SNYE – Esther J. Burnham, 99, formerly of Youngstown, NY, peacefully passed away Friday, May 12, 2017 at the Iakhihsohtha Lodge.

Esther was born October 15, 1917 in Hogansburg, daughter of the late Thomas and Hattie Cook Bero. She attended schools in Akwesasne, and St. Lucy's High School in Syracuse. She married Earl Burnham on September 25, 1937 at Sacred Heart Church in Niagara Falls, NY. Earl predeceased her on May 21, 2005.

She was a former member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Youngstown, and St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Niagara Falls and a member of its Altar Guild. Esther was a school bus driver in Youngstown, NY for 23 years, and did volunteer work for Senior Companion in Niagara for 5 years. Esther enjoyed baking, bowling, gardening, reading, swimming and laughing with friends and family.

Esther is survived by her children, Judith Stevens of Youngstown; Jacqueline and David Mitchell of Hogansburg; Gordon Burnham of Youngstown; Jennifer Andrews of Youngstown; Janelle and Leonard Longley of Lewiston; and Gary Burnham of Akwesasne; 12 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; two sisters, Leona Cook of Hogansburg; and Eva Emmi of Syracuse; two half-sisters, Mona Via of Bombay; and Phyllis Dillard of Hogansburg; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband Earl, Esther was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Hattie; two sisters, Mary Barr and Irene Monture; two brothers, Thomas and Raymond Bero; and two sons-in-law, Kenneth Stevens and Kenneth "Ted" Andrews.

Friends may call at Akwesasne Homemakers, 1126 River Road, Tsi Snaihne, QC, on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 3-9 PM, where a funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:00 AM with Mother Kathryn Boswell officiating.

Memorial donations may be made in Esther's memory to Caring Hearts Team at Iakhihsohtha Lodge, PO Box 479 Hogansburg, NY 13665 or Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance Service, 31 Hilltop Drive, St. Regis, QC H0M 1A0.

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