Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE - Thomas B. Sunday "ATONWA", 54, of Tsisnaihne passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at Cornwall Community Hospital with his family by his side.

Thomas was born July 30, 1962 in Cornwall, Ontario, the son of Elizabeth "Betty" Lafrance Sunday and the late Joseph L. "Jiggy" Sunday. He attended school in Tsisnaihne and in Cornwall.

In his youth he played several sports including hockey and lacrosse and didn't hesitate to stand up for his teammates during a game. He joined "Oka Dick's" boxing club in the 70's and boxed with some of the tougher boxers in other clubs. He was a retired member of the Snye Bums softball team and even though he could no longer play, he still enjoyed watching "The Bums" play. He enjoyed painting and drawing. He was proud of his Mohawk heritage and was a fluent speaker of the Kanienkeha language.

Thomas was an Ironworker by trade, a member of Local #440, and worked at numerous jobs in and around New York City. He was an avid Boston Bruins fan and in 2011 he got to see his team win the Stanley Cup. He loved his River and most of the time that's where you could find him hanging out with his brothers, cousins, family and friends. He always had his fishing pole in the water and many fish were caught on his line over the years.

He loved, and was proud of, his children and their many accomplishments and especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Atonwa is survived by his longtime companion, Karen Jocko; his children, Nikki Jocko (Brian Tessier), Chelsea Sunday (Justin Oakes), Chase Sunday (Alanna Cook), Skye Sunday (Serena Hall) and his "Little Girl", Kady Sunday, all of Tsisnaihne; his grandchildren, Rayce, Mason, Mya, Jaxon, Jayden, and; his mother, Betty Sunday; his sisters, Laura (Alex) McDonald, Deirdre (Joe) Back, and Jamie (Dicki) Oddo, all of Tsisnaihne; his brothers, Raymond, Timmy (Charlene) Sunday, Steve (Anna) Sunday, Patrick Sunday (Rachel David), William (Wendy) Sunday, Cory Sunday (Sammi Thompson), Charlie Sunday, all of Tsisnaihne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Atonwa was predeceased by his father, Jiggy; a brother, Carl "Bonzo" Sunday; a sister, Tricia Sunday; a nephew, Cody Joseph Sunday and a niece, Kyleigh McDonald.

Friends called at the Akwesasne Homemakers from Sunday until Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Tuesday at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating.

Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Akwesasne Homemakers.

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