AKWESASNE – Darlene A. Sunday, 84, of Border Road peacefully went back to the Spirit World on Wednesday evening, June 5, 2019 at Iakhihsohtha Lodge, where she had been a resident for the past several years.

Darlene was born January 31, 1935 in Akwesasne, the daughter of the late Louis D. and Beatrice (Deer) Jacobs. She attended Mohawk schools and graduated from Bombay High School. She also graduated from Mater Dei and took courses towards her Bachelor's degree at Plattsburgh State. She first married William Light, later divorcing in 1965. On November 27, 1975, she married the love of her life Peter Sunday in Fort Covington. He predeceased her on October 21, 2018.

Darlene worked for a time as a Head Start Teacher before going to the St. Regis Mohawk Office of the Aging, where she served as their director until her retirement. She was a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits. She enjoyed doing crossword puzzles, spending time with her grandchildren, traveling with her late husband, and listening to Peter play music.

Darlene is survived by her children, Allen Light, Mark and Marla Light, and Jennifer Light, all of Akwesasne; and Julie and Lornie Swamp of Fort Covington; her stepchildren, Tina Sunday of Akwesasne and Peter and Nancy Sunday of St. Andrews, Ontario; her grandchildren, Forest Light; Zachary, Jesse and Benjamin Light, and Elijah Benedict; Joely Swamp; and Christine, Kayla, and Josee Sunday; and her great grandchildren, Brittney, Tyren, Tristyn, and Tylee Square; Jayden and Bruno Light; Liam and Lennon Thomas, Xavier, Layla, Arrow, Lyza, and Jacob Light; and Giselle Sunday.

She is also survived by her sisters, Dolores Thompson of Akwesasne, Dale Bintz of Massena, and Denise Jacobs of Akwesasne; her brothers, David Jacobs of Akwesasne, and Daniel and Debra Jacobs, all of Akwesasne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her parents and her husband, she was predeceased by 2 grandsons, Sky A. Light on September 9, 2006 and Jacob D. Light on March 15, 2012; and a great grandson, Thunder Sky Light on September 29, 2012; and her brother Louis D. "Jake" Jacobs on August 27, 2018.

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.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider donations to Iakhihsohtha Lodge or the Alzheimer's Association.

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