AKWESASNE – After a courageous battle with cancer, Mrs. Terry E. McDonald, 55, of 379 Wade LaFrance Memorial Road, peacefully passed away early Friday morning, March 30, 2018 at her home with her loving family by her side.

Terry was born August 8, 1962 in Cornwall, the daughter of Bessie (Ransom) Mitchell and the late Alfred L. Mitchell. She attended schools in Akwesasne before going to General Vanier where she graduated. She then attended St. Lawrence College where she earned her degree in Early Childhood Education. Terry continued her education at SUNY Potsdam, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master's Degrees in Education, graduating Magna Cum Laude. On June 16, 1984, she married Gerald R. "Jerry" McDonald at St. Regis Catholic Church.

Terry was a teacher at Tsi Snaihne School for the past 25 years and was a member of the Public Service Alliance of Canada. She found great peace in her flower gardens, watching hummingbirds, sitting around bonfires, crafting with Pinterest, and the time she was able to spend with her family and friends at their cottage on Stanley Island. Terry also cherished the special times she shared with her babies, Cora, Riley, and Julia.

Terry is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; her children, Trent McDonald and his companion, Jessica Moldaver; and Molly McDonald and her companion, Evan Swamp, all of Akwesasne; her grandson, Finny; her mother, Bessie Mitchell of Akwesasne; her siblings, Janet and Lee Tatro of Akwesasne; Roger A. and Vicki Mitchell of Akwesasne; Carol and Roger Anderson of Six Nations; Louie and Doreen Mitchell of Akwesasne; Carl and Karen Mitchell of Akwesasne; Keith and Cindy Mitchell of Akwesasne; Kelly and Theresa Mitchell of Akwesasne; and Shannon Mitchell of Fort Wayne, Indiana; and many nieces and nephews.

She is also survived by her husband's siblings, Carol and Carl White and Jim and Nikki McDonald, all of Akwesasne; her sisters-in-law, Sheila McDonald of Milton, Florida and Bonnie McDonald of Bombay; and her godchildren, Jason Lazore, Noah McDonald, and Kelly Boutsalis.

Terry was predeceased by her father, Alfred; her father and mother-in-law, Angus and Sally McDonald; her brothers-in-law, Gus and Muzzy McDonald; and her sister-in-law, Faye Mitchell.

Friends called at her home from Sunday until Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Tuesday, April 3 at the St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating. Burial will be later in the spring in Kateri Cemetery.

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.