Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

AKWESASNE – Esther Marie Thompson, 90, of 94 Island Road, Kawehnoke, passed away Tuesday evening, October 15, 2019 at her home with her loving family by her side.

Esther was born March 31, 1929 on Kawehnoke, the daughter of the late Elijah and Agnes (Jacobs) Benedict. On November 11, 1946, she married James Thompson at St. Regis Catholic Church. James predeceased her on April 11, 2016.

In addition to raising her family, Esther has worked at various locations including the Bombay Slipper Factory and the Bingo Palace. For many years, she was a Community Health Worker with National Health and Welfare and was a Community Health Representative with the former Homemakers Club. On July 1, 1967, while employed with NH&W, she received a Centennial Medal in recognition of service. She was also a foster mother to many. She was a longtime communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits. She had a great zest for life and enjoyed visits to the casino, playing bingo and loved picking strawberries. Esther also enjoyed bowling, sewing, dancing, and the sounds of Elvis and George Jones.

Esther is survived by her 10 children, Robert James and Lucyann Thompson, Norris and Sylvia Thompson, Velma and Leon Cook, Roger and Peggy Thompson, Lucille and Ronnie Cook, Luke Thompson and Kathy Herne, Timmy and Becca Thompson, Ruth Seymour, Maureen Thompson and Howie Jock, and Stephanie Thompson and Harvey Delormier; 2 chosen children, Sara and Brennan Thompson; 43 grandchildren; 81 great grandchildren, and 8 great-great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sisters, Helen Benedict, Margaret Rhode, and Betty David; her brother, Charles “Buster” and Pat Benedict; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by two sons, Joseph Thompson in infancy and Alexander Hollis Thompson at age 10; a son-in-law, Sherwin Seymour; her brothers, Morris E., Winston C., Edwin, and Robert L. Benedict; and her sisters, May Cole and Charleen Cole.

Friends called at her home from Monday until Wednesday. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores officiating. Burial will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made in her memory to Caring Hearts of Akwesasne.

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