Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE – Ms. Joanne M. Francis, 59, of 28 Francis Lane, unexpectedly passed away Sunday, June 26, 2016.

Joanne was born November 20, 1956 in Massena, NY, the daughter of Richard and Marita (Sawatis) Francis. She is the oldest of 4 children. She attended St. Regis Mohawk School and graduated from General Vanier in Cornwall, ONT. She then went to St. Lawrence College for Nursing. Her nursing career took her to Texas for a short time.

At age 20, Joanne was in a serious car accident that had left her a paraplegic. After a lengthy recovery and rehabilitation, Joanne took a different career path. She attended Algonquin College where she achieved her Bachelor's Degree in Social Work. Joanne was a very strong and determined Mohawk Woman...not much kept her down! She won several medals in track and field while participating in the Special Olympics. Joanne had a strong love for learning. She made the decision to further her education and attended Carleton University and earned her Master's Degree in Social Work.

Joanne was a Client Advocate and Social Worker for Mohawk Council of Akwesasne. She dedicated her life to serving and assisting everyone who came across her path. She was a very strong advocate for Peoples with Disabilities.

Joanne's latest passions were holistic medicines and energy work. She was a member of the Akwesasne Pranic Energy Group.

She enjoyed flower and vegetable gardening, sewing, baking, traveling, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially loved being with her nieces & nephews.

Joanne is survived by her parents; Richard and Marita; her sister, Lynn Francis of Phoenix, Arizona; her brothers, Terry and Leona Francis of Akwesasne and Scott and Tammy Francis of Deptford, New Jersey; her nieces and nephews: Jared, Jay, Sunnie, Collin, Mia, Tawny, Tara, Justin & Hendrick; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Friends may call at her home beginning 3:00 PM Thursday June 30th until 2:00 PM Friday when a Service will be held at her home with Rev. Jerome Pastores, officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to "Akwesasne Cultural Gathering for the Deaf" or "Akwesasne Mohawk Ambulance."

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