Seneca Nation (New York)

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Posted: June 18, 2020

In an update on June 18, 2020. Seneca Nation President Rickey L. Armstrong Sr. announced another death of a community member to COVID-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.

Cindy Mohr, from the Heron Clan of the New York-based tribe, passed away on June 12. She had just turned 65 years old.

Mohr died following a “month long battle” with the coronavirus, Armstrong said in a video message. She had been hospitalized after contracting the disease.

“Cindy was a beloved secondary teacher who inspired generations of students throughout her career,” Armstrong said. “She was the first Native American teacher in New York State to have a dual certification in elementary education and special education.”

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Mohr’s passing comes after the death of her older sister, Diane Kennedy, on May 29. Diane was 71.

The sisters lost their mother, beloved Heron Clan elder and Seneca language speaker Norma Kennedy, to COVID-19 a week prior, on May 23. Norma was 91 at the time of her passing.

“Our entire nation community mourns with their family,” Armstrong said in his video message.

Armstrong identified three additional community members who have died of COVID-19. James E. “Jimmy” Buffalo passed away on April 24 at the age of 44. Debra Issac passed away on April 30 at the age of 69. Richard Kane passed away on May 10 at the age of 80.

The deaths have left “an unmistakable emptiness in the Seneca community,” Armstrong said.

“That loss should remind all of us how serious this virus still is,” the president said.

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