The Passing of a Haudenosaunee Icon

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"The Onondaga Nation is saddened by the loss of one of its leaders, Clan Mother Audrey Shenandoah." 3/15/12
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Audrey Lazore Shenandoah "Gonwaiani", 85,
a member of the Eel Clan passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 15, 2012.
http://www.onondaganation.org

Born May 5, 1926, she was a life resident of the Onondaga Nation and cared for position of Deer Clan Mother. She gave thanksgiving for her long good life and hoped she had impressed people to believe, practice, and keep alive the spirited longhouse ways of her people. She believed in living in harmony and peace with all people and mother earth. She taught by example to many people and loved all.

She was predeceased by her husband, Edward and two sons, Neil and Pete. Surviving are two daughters, Jeanne Shenandoah, Rochelle Brown; six sons, Ronald, Paul "Adah", Keith "Fab", Tracy, Robert "Bubba" and Allen "Sonny" (Cindy) Shenandoah; 35 grandchildren, 82 great-grandchildren, 17 great-great-grandchildren; a spiritual sister, Betty Jacobs; faithkeepers, Nancy Powless, Mary (Cheech) Honyoust, and Chief Laverne Lyons.

Syracuse Community Choir Director Karen Mihalyi wrote:
"It is with a sad heart that I announce the death of Audrey Shenandoah, Clan Mother and Member of the Eel Clan, Onondaga Nation and mother of Bob Shenandoah, tenor.
Audrey has been a constant at our concerts for over 20 years, often sharing wisdom, poetry, ideas. From the front row ( often along side Marjory Wilkins) she would smile, eyes twinkling, always quick to appreciate us. I am deeply saddened. Our Grandmother Moon…, a bridge and guide, fierce and tender, wise, beautiful, brilliant. This is a great loss."

VIDEO: Clan Mother Audrey Shenandoah . . .
http://www.onondaganation.org/news/vid_ ... ndoah.html