Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE – Mrs. Darlene C. (Bero) Oakes, 66, of 437 Wade LaFrance Memorial Road, unexpectedly passed away on Friday, April 19, 2013 at Tsiionkwanonhso:te after a short illness.

Darlene was born May 4, 1946 in Massena, the daughter of Richard Herne and Ruth Bero White. She graduated from Salmon River Central School. On June 6, 1964, she married Herbert Oakes at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Michael Jacobs, officiating.

Darlene was a homemaker who devoted her life to her grandchildren and enjoyed making holiday dinners, going to the Bingo Palace, and flower gardening. Darlene was a kind hearted person, who would do anything for anyone and was always a giving person.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 50 years, Herbie; her granddaughter, Courtney Oakes and her partner, Justin Thompson, of Akwesasne; her grandson, Skyler Gill of Montreal; her great granddaughter, Kinsley Thompson; a chosen daughter, Claudine Tarbell of Massena; her mother, Ruth White of Akwesasne; her father, Richard Herne, also of Akwesasne; her brothers, Edward Herne and his partner, Tina Lazore, Ricky Herne, Timothy Herne and his companion, Jackie Herne, and Ray Herne, all of Akwesasne; her sisters, Lorene Herne, Sandra Benedict-Wilkenson and her husband, Bruce, Kathy Herne, all of Akwesasne.

She is also survived her aunt, Nancy Arquette of Akwesasne; her in-laws, Linda Oakes, Marshall Oakes, William and Rose Oakes, Patti and Abe Phillips, Caroline Oakes, Daniel Oakes, Chester Oakes, Andrea Oakes and Joe Bonaparte; her god-child, Tashawna Francis and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was predeceased her son, Ryan David Oakes on June 22, 1999; her adopted parents, Andrew and Charlotte Bero, her grandparents, Joseph and Harriet Sawatis Herne.

Friends called at the Akwesasne Homemakers starting Sunday, April 21, 2013 until a Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating. Cremation will follow.

Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to the Akwesasne Cancer Support Group.

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