Mrs. Edna A. Oakes Ayotte, 74, 276 Roosevelt Road, passed away Friday, October 22, 2010, at her residence after battling cancer since May.

Edna was born January 11, 1936, in Syracuse, the daughter of Ross and Mary King Oakes. She attended school in Syracuse, where she received her GED. She was employed as a machine operator at General Electric in Syracuse and retired from General Motors in Syracuse, returning to the Massena area in 1991.

Edna enjoyed playing bingo, going to garage sales, and traveling with her daughters.

Edna first married Gabriel Oakes, which ended in divorce. On Nov. 18, 1989, she married Lucien “Pete Ayotte in Syracuse, who survives her. Also surviving Edna are her seven children, Bruce and Suzanne Oakes of Boston MA, Mark of Rooseveltown, Gary and Jesse, both of Racquette Point Rd., Denise and Ted Leaf of Cornwall Is., Michelle Oakes of Nedrow and Roxanne Oakes of Akwesasne. She is survived by several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and two great great-grandsons.

She is also survived by six stepchildren, Katherine Ayotte of Clevelan OH, Peter Ayotte of Massena, Judy Ayotte of Massena, Margaret Ryken of New Orleans, James Ayotte of Cleveland OH and Robert Ayotte of Massena, along with several step-grandchildren. Also surviving Edna are her two godchildren, Melissa Leaf of Akwesasne and Nicole Oakes of Boston MA.; two chosen sisters, Agnes Bero and Ida Forbes, both of Akwesasne; two chosen stepchildren, Gabriel and Stacey Oakes and Morris and Leigh Oakes, all of Akwesasne. Edna was predeceased by an infant son Jesse and a step-daughter Joanne Leaf in 1979. Edna will be dearly missed by her pet cat Leo and Kilo, the Pit Bull.

Per Edna’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or service. Following cremation, her cremains will be buried in St. Mary’s Cemetery in DeWitt, NY with her mom.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Lawrence Valley Hospice or Massena Humane Society.

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