Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE – Mrs. Isabel Rourke, 83, of 3 Rourke Road, peacefully reunited with her husband in the early morning hours of Sunday, October 22, 2017 at her home with her loving family by her side supporting her.

Isabel was born November 9, 1933 in St. Regis, Quebec the daughter of the late Joseph and Josephine Casey Sawatis and attended schools in St. Regis. She married Joseph Rourke on May 16, 1953 at St. Regis Catholic Church. He predeceased her on October 13, 2008.

Isabel was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated her life to raising her family. She enjoyed playing Radio Bingo, cooking and watching Jeopardy. She also enjoyed playing cards, where she was always the "winner" at Ace to King, as well as her daily shopping trips with her daughters. Her most cherished moments were the times she was able to spend at her cabin and gazebo by the river with her family and friends. She was a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group.

Isabel is survived by her ten children, Marshall and Janine Rourke, Gale Rourke, David and Susan Rourke, Carol and Timothy Papineau, Daniel and Beverly Rourke, Sharon and Robert Phillips, Timothy Rourke and companion, Jamie, Raymond and Susan Rourke, Alice and Jose Tarbell, and Robert Rourke, all of Akwesasne; 32 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and was anxiously awaiting 3 more.

She is also survived by her sisters, Anna and Harry Lambert of Florida, Marita and Richard Francis of St. Regis, Quebec, Virginia Dionne of Buffalo, Mary Alice Cook of Akwesasne, and Harriett Sciabarrasi of Buffalo; her brother, Nelson Sawatis and his companion, Irene Gambill of Akwesasne; a brother-in-law, Barney Rourke of Akwesasne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Isabel was predeceased by a grandson, Timothy "Sose" Papineau; 2 granddaughters, Angie and Marie Rourke; and 2 sisters, Dorothy Sawatis and Audrey Oakes.

Friends called at her home from Monday until Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating. Burial will follow in the Rourke Family Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Regis Catholic Church.

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