Indian Time - A Voice from the Eastern Door

Akwesasne – Thomas John "TJ" Lazore (35) of 157 Raquette Point Road, passed away at Ottawa General Hospital on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, after a short illness. He will be embraced in love by those who passed before him with a table of cards laid out for him.

TJ was born August 2, 1988, in Rochester, New York, to Elizabeth "Sweets" Lazore and Vincent Thompson.

TJ was a communicant at the St. Regis Catholic Church. He enjoyed playing cards, watching movies, listening to music, and expanding his wrestling knowledge. TJ was always up for a Trivial Pursuit fundraiser event, a Pokémon Go adventure, or some Karaoke. He inherited a love for collectables from his Auntie Marion. Always a joker, comedian, and funny guy. He loved hanging out with his buddies and spending time with his family. TJ knew how to make you feel like you never skipped a beat, regardless of how long it had been since you last saw each other. He always had a story to share and a nice big, warm hug!

TJ graduated from Cornwall Collegiate Vocational School in 2007. He graduated from St. Lawrence College in 2009 with a degree in general Arts and Sciences and would later receive a certificate in Community Justice in 2014. He worked as a support technician at the Akwesasne Library and Cultural Center between 2016 and 2019. In a celebratory post, the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe shared, "TJ was a beloved coworker and a friend to many. As a member of the Executive Director's team since June 10, 2019; TJ served as an administrative floater, often working in the mailroom or helping greet community members at the main reception desk with his warm personality. We will dearly miss seeing TJ at the Tribe, but we know that he is now at peace."

TJ is predeceased by his grandfather Tommy Lazore, mother Elizabeth "Sweets" Lazore, and uncles Rodney Tom Pierce, Kenny Leaf, and Melvin Thompson. He is also predeceased by cherished great-aunts Marion (Auntie) Lazore, Julia Francis, Ann Elward, Marion "Jumbo" Martin, and Lena Martin; great-uncles Pete Martin and Louis Martin.

TJ is survived by his grandmother Elizabeth Lazore; brother Adam White; sisters Alyssa (PJ) Manou, Sidney and Kirby Thompson, Nahtayia Thompson-Compeau, and Reign Wigmore; aunties Kelly (Dave) Pierce-Bayne, Regina (Jeff) Pierce-Tarbell, Lynn Pierce, and Debbie Jocko; great-uncle Bobby Lazore and Richard Martin; and Father Vincent (Gina) Thompson.

He is also survived by his chosen brother and cousin Brad Francis; many first cousins Stephanie (Frederick) Pierce-Lazore, Manny Pierce, Lacey (Jason) Pierce, Kristen Ransom, Jesse Benedict, Kandy, Kelly, and Brandy (Chad) Pierce, Whitney Pierce; and special-nephews Korbyn Pierce and Layken Bayne. He was loved by many other cousins, aunts, and uncles.

TJ was a special kind of person who embodied the characters that he would perform at every opportunity to his friends and family, our bow-tie bandit. He knew how to put a smile on peoples' faces. A sweet spirit taken too soon left a hole in our lives, but the memories will be held close to our hearts.

A viewing for family and friends began Monday, October 23rd, at 6 PM and until Wednesday, until 10 AM at the Akwesasne Homemakers, Snye. The services were held at the St. Regis Church, Akwesasne, on Wednesday. A procession to his final resting place, Martin Road Family Cemetery on Cornwall Island.

Friends are encouraged to share memories, offer condolences, and sign her virtual register book online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.