Sylvia (Jones) John
1943 - 2015

STEAMBURG - Sylvia John, 72, of North Loop, Steamburg, died Monday morning (May 4, 2015) at her home, surrounded by her family.

Born on April 13, 1943, in Salamanca, she was a 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 Veterans of Foreign Wars John F. Ahrens Post 5296, the Ladies Auxiliary of 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 U.S. Postal Service office in Salamanca prior to her retirement in 1999. She was previously employed as a secretary with the Seneca Nation of Indians in the bookkeeping department, with the LC Whitford Co., Coldspring Construction and the former Fancher Furniture Co.

Surviving are a daughter, Doreen (Floyd) McKenzie of Salamanca; two sons, Jason Cooper of Salamanca and Chandler Cooper of Ramous; three stepdaughters, Renae Halftown of Steamburg and Stephanee Halftown and Elana Halftown, both of Versailles; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; a sister, Suzanne (Lenny) Kettle of Kill Buck; a brother, Alfred Jones Jr. of Steamburg; and 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 this evening and continuing all day Wednesday. Longhouse services will be held at the family home Thursday (May 7, 2015) at 10 a.m. with Al George, speaker of the Coldspring Longhouse, officiating. Burial will be in Hillside Haven Cemetery, Steamburg.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the O'Rourke & O'Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca. E-condolences can be sent to john@orourke-orourke.com or posted to www.facebook.com/onofh.