AKWESASNE – Mrs. Grace Theresa Chubb, “Karoniahonte”, 88, of 1008 State Route 37, unexpectedly passed away Thursday evening, July 20, 2017 at Massena Memorial Hospital, where her family and friends by her side.
Grace was born March 23, 1929 on St. Regis Island, the daughter of the late Frank Swamp and Julia Thompson and was raised by her aunt, Sarah Thompson Mitchell. On October 28, 1946, she married John L. Chubb at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. George Brodeur, SJ, officiating. John predeceased her on March 30, 2007.
Grace once worked at the Lake Placid Lodge and at Stromburg-Carlson in Rochester. After returning back to the reservation, she worked for a time at Finger Hut in Cornwall, transported Mohawk children to Massena Central School before busing was started, and also was a Tota for Akwesasne Head Start. After the opening of the Casino, she worked as a cleaner for many years. Grace was an active member of the American Legion Ladies Auxiliary Post #1479. She also was a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group, the Tri-District Elders, and the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens. She enjoyed visiting the casino, playing bingo, cooking for her family, flower gardening, and playing cards. She loved to cherish her memories through taking pictures and enjoyed having a party for any occasion. Of all her enjoyments, the time she spent with her children and grandchildren gave her the greatest joy.
Grace is survived by her children, Lucy and Alan White of Akwesasne; Evelyn and Earl General of Rochester; Lorene and Francis Jackson of Snye; Sharon Sunday of Snye; and John L. Chubb, Jr. of Plattsburgh; 14 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren and was anxiously awaiting her 26th great grandchild; and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Grace is also survived by her companion, Vernon Hopps; her beloved dog, Rhino; her brother, Peter Back, Sr. of Akwesasne; her chosen sister, Arlene Baker of Sierra Vista, Arizona; her sister-in-law, Yvonne Chubb of Akwesasne; her godchildren, Theresa Bear Fox, Brenda Garrow, and Lincoln Roundpoint; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to her parents and her husband, Grace was predeceased by a granddaughter, Tricia General on September 12, 1969; her brothers, Leo, Abe, and Robert Swamp; and sisters, Lena Swamp Cantatore, Ann Johnson, Catherine Cook, and Nancy Comins.
Friends may call at the Akwesasne Homemaker starting 4:00 PM Sunday until 12:30 PM Tuesday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday 2:00 PM at St. Regis Catholic Church. Burial will follow in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Akwesasne.
Memorial contributions may be made in her memory to St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens, Akwesasne Homemakers, or the Tri-District Elders.
Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com.