Sylvia John

Sylvia John, age 72, of North Loop, Steamburg, New York died Monday morning, May 4, 2015 at her home surrounded by her family.

Born April 13, 1943 in Salamanca, New York, she was the daughter of the late Alfred and Gladys Fatty Jones. She was married to Mr. Richard Cooper, who predeceased her in 1974. She was remarried to Mr. Franklin “Obie” John, who predeceased her in 1998.

She was an enrolled member of the Onondaga Nation of Indians and the Heron Clan. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, the Ladies Auxiliary of the American Legion Hughes-Skiba Post 535, and the Postal Union. She enjoyed Bingo and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. John had been employed as a Clerk with the United States Post Office in Salamanca, New York, prior to her retirement in 1999. She had previously been employed as a secretary with the Seneca Nation of Indians in the book keeping department, with the LC Whitford Company, Coldspring Construction, and the former Fancher Furniture Company.

Surviving are: a daughter, Doreen (Floyd) McKenzie, Salamanca, NY; two sons, Jason Cooper, Salamanca, NY, Chandler Cooper, Ramous, NY; three stepdaughters, Renae Halftown, Steamburg, NY, Stephanee Halftown, Elana Halftown, both of Versailles, NY; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; a sister, Suzanne (Lenny) Kettle, Kill Buck, NY; a brother, Alfred Jones Jr., Steamburg, NY; several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Cooper and a brother, Raymond Jones.

Friends may call at the family home, 130 North Loop, Steamburg, beginning Tuesday evening and continuing all day Wednesday.

Longhouse services will be held at the family home on Thursday at 10 a.m. with Al George, Speaker of the Coldspring Longhouse, officiating.

Burial will be in Hillside Haven Cemetery, Steamburg, New York.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc Funeral Home, 25 River Street, Salamanca, New York.

E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.