Clara Katherine Bigtree Terrance

AKWESASNE - Mrs. Clara Katherine Bigtree Terrance, 85, of 187 St. Regis Road, passed away Wednesday morning, July 28, 2010, at her home. She had been in failing health since June.

Friends may call at her home beginning at 5 p.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Saturday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Saturday at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. George H. Belgarde, SJ, celebrating. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena.

Clara is survived by two daughters, Agnes "Sweets" Bethel and her husband, Thomas, of Raymondville, and Clarissa Chatland and her husband, Rick, of Fort Covington; a son, Eric Terrance and his companion, Debra Square, of Hogansburg; three grandchildren, Timothy and Amy, Tracy and Megan, and Candice and Richard; her great-grandchildren, Karyss, Justice, Alyssa, Michaela, Kirstyn, Braydon, Tyler, and Rick; her sister, Beulah Terrance of Hogansburg; her brother, John Bigtree of Hogansburg; and many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by a sister, Betty at age 7, and a brother, Mitchell G. Bigtree on Sept. 26, 1995.

Clara was born Jan. 14, 1925 in Hogansburg, the daughter of John and Marion Herne Bigtree. She first attended Mohawk School, then going to Bombay High School. She married Alfred Terrance in 1945 at the St. Regis Catholic Church; he predeceased her.

She was a homemaker and avid Bingo player. She also enjoyed going to the casino, playing cards, fishing, and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was a member of the St. Regis Mohawk Senior Citizens and a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the North Country.

Condolences may be made online at www.donaldsonfh.com .