AKWESASNE – Isabel Elizabeth McDonald, 85, of 165 Border Road, Tsi Snaihne, passed away early Friday morning, January 25, 2019 at Iakhihsohtha Lodge where she had been a resident since April 2015.

Isabel was born August 1, 1933 in Kana:takon, the daughter of the late Joseph M. and Theresa (Smoke) Terrance. She first went to school in Kana:takon before attending St. Regis Mohawk School. She continued on to Bombay and finished at grade 8. On April 7, 1956, she married Phillip McDonald at St. Regis Catholic Church. He predeceased her in February 1997.

As a young woman, she worked for a time picking spinach in Malone. After her marriage, she and her husband operated a farm. She was an active communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church, along with the Altar and Rosary Society, and the Kateri Circle, where she enjoyed traveling to various conferences. Isabel was also a member of the Akwesasne Homemakers Club and the Mohawk Trailblazers Ski-Doo Club. Isabel's enjoyment came from cooking and baking and her hobbies included collect angels, quilting, gardening and canning the rewards from her garden. She had a very generous spirit and would be found assisting the Hogansburg Akwesasne Volunteer Fire Department at various events, visiting residents at the Iakhihsohtha Lodge, or making a meal for a community member in need.

Isabel is survived by her sister, Mae T. Revette of Syracuse; her brother, Michael and Nancy Terrance of Syracuse; her sister-in-law, Lois Terrance of Akwesasne; her chosen son, godson, and caregiver, Sturge and Helen Lazore of Sugarbush Island; her additional godchildren, Dorothy Costello, Liz Nelson, Pat Chubb, Jr., Joanne King, Patricia White, Bridgette Terrance, and Delia Lazore-Terrance; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by a sister, Marlene Garrow; a brother, Leonard Terrance; and a godson, Dewayne Revette.

Friends called at her home from Monday until Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, January 30 at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating. Burial will be held in the spring in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Iakhihsohtha Lodge Activities Fund.

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