Sarah Benedict

AKWESASNE – Sarah A. "Sally" Benedict, 97, of State Route 37, peacefully passed away early Thursday morning, July 31, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

Sally was born January 14, 1928 at home in Akwesasne, the daughter of the late Andrew L. and Mary (Garrow) Herne and attended schools on the Reservation. On May 28, 1955, she married Michael R. Benedict in Fort Covington. He predeceased her on April 13, 2008.

Sally first worked for a time at Warner Brothers Corset Factory in Massena before working at Sheild's Slipper Factory. She later worked for a time at LBM Lumber before working in the housekeeping department at St. Regis Mohawk Health Services. She was a lifetime member of the Order of Eastern Star, Fort Covington Chapter, having joined in October 1949. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, tending to her flower gardens, and watching the birds. Sally will fondly be remembered for her homesteading skills of cooking for her family, canning and pickling vegetables. Later in life, Sally enjoyed adventures traveling with her children. These included places in Alaska, Arizona, Colorado, Minnesota, a two-week cross-country trek through Canada and the U.S. and a cruise through the Caribbean Islands. It has been said that her proudest achievement was that she had a large family, worked for the family's subsistence on their farm, and passed her skills on to her children.

Sally is survived by her children, Michael A. Benedict and his wife, Lorelei "Kim" Akiwenzie of Grand Isle, Vermont, Leslie Benedict and his wife, Marie, Conrad Benedict and his wife, Jill, Retha Leno, Lillian Benedict-Barton and her husband, Craig, and Myra Benedict LaFrance and her companion, Kaile Corey, all of Akwesasne; her grandchildren, Joseph Benedict, Leslie Benedict II, Andrew Benedict (Nicole), Janelle Serrano, Justin Serrano (Alisa), Erin Dalia (John), Lacey Lazare (Lanny), Dylan Herne (Keena-Marie), Michelle Cook (Ted), David Tracy, Carly LaFrance (Kyle), and Jaden LaFrance; her great grandchildren, Colston, Temperance, Jillian, Peyton, Collin, Doris, Dorian, Thaiaiake, Daisy, Hailey, and Kieran; her sister, Barbara Binaxas of Watertown; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents and her husband, Sally was predeceased by her brothers, Lincoln Herne in infancy and Marshall "Buddy" Herne; and her sister, June Dignean.

At Sally's request, there will be no calling hours or service. A celebration of her life will be held privately with her family.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing may consider memorial contributions to be made in her memory to Hospice of the North Country or to the Saint Regis Mohawk Tribal Outreach Division.

Arrangements are under the care and guidance of the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where friends may share memories and offer condolences online at www.donaldsonfh.com.