Obituary for Cyrus Schindler, former President of the Seneca Nation 2000-2002
Cyrus M. Schindler Jr.
Cyrus Martin Schindler Jr.
Feb. 4, 1948-Jan. 13, 2025
Of Cattaraugus Seneca Territory, Irving, NY passed away January 13th, 2025, at his home, he was 76.
Cyrus was born February 4th, 1948, in Silver Creek, the son of the late Lila (Pierce) Schindler and Cyrus Martin Schindler Sr. He was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Bear Clan. Cyrus attended Silver Creek High School, after which he became an iron worker.
He later enlisted in the Navy and is a veteran of the Viet Nam war where he served as a Seabee. He was a member of Iroquois Legion Post #1587. He was a career iron worker and a member of Iron Workers Local 6. Throughout his career he participated in and supervised many major construction projects in the Buffalo area and abroad. After retirement from iron work Cyrus was a business owner, Big Indian Smoke Shop and later served as President(2001-2002) and Councillor of the Seneca Nation. During his term as President, he was successful in negotiating with a diverse group of stakeholders to open the Seneca Casinos and reclaim Seneca Territory. Cyrus served as the first chairman of the board for the Seneca Gaming Corporation.
Cyrus is survived by his wife Michele(Garlinger)Schindler; six daughters, Carmen A. (Martin Jimerson) Repicci, Anna Louise (Wallace) Ward, Chrissy Marie Schindler, Jeanette Lee Schindler, Julie Lynn Farner, Brittany Schindler ; seventeen grandchildren, Jocelyn Jones, Jacob Jones, Courtlyn Jones, Cami Jones, Jadyn Jones, Heather Eileen Ward, Brian BasilWard, Jeffery Seton Maracle, Symone Olivia Maracle, Lylla Carole Schindler, Matthew DeanValliere Jr., Jordan Elizabeth Valliere, Basil Brady Valliere, Jack Cyrus Thompson, Cyrus Wayne Farner and Wayne Martin Farner, Scarlet McKenna Nash; twelve great grandchildren, Mannox Jamieson, Onegawiyo:h Printup, Hawenoda:je’s Printup, Joniyano:de:s Printup, Wila Jones,Harrison Styles, Raleigh Styles, Elvera Stevens, Ainsley Stevens Lailynne Anna Tarnowski,Hazel Rae Valliere and Bryson Basil Valliere. He is also survived by his numerous nieces, nephews, friends and family. Cyrus is predeceased by three sisters; Joanne Pierce, Elvera Marie Barreno, Deanna Mae Barreno and three brothers; Roland Barreno, Robert Keith Barreno, Donald Wayne Barreno.
Cyrus was an ardent supporter of Seneca sovereignty and often found himself at the forefront of conflicts with New York State. He was charismatic and well known on the territory and local communities, he seemed to have a nickname for everyone. Cyrus enjoyed having coffee and joking with friends. He most loved talking about his experiences with his friends and family.
Services were held at the ADDISON FUNERAL HOME, INC. 262 N. Main St. Angola, where services were held January 17th, 2025.
Obituary for Jacqueline Bowen, former Clerk (2006) and Treasurer (2008) of the Seneca Nation
Jacqueline Lucille Bowen, 77, of Salamanca, NY passed peacefully into the loving arms of her heavenly father on January 14, 2025, after a long and valiant struggle to recover from a debilitating stroke.
Born February 19, 1947 in Salamanca, NY, she was the daughter of the late Ralph and Annabell Clark Bowen.
She was an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and the Bear Clan, and was a Chief Cornplanter descendant. Jackie cherished her memories of growing up in the Red House community on the Allegany Territory prior to surviving the relocation to the Jimersontown community following the construction of the Kinzua Dam.
She attended the Red House Indian School, was a graduate of Salamanca High School, Class of 1965, and earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Computer Science from Jamestown Community College, later returning to school to fulfill her lifelong goal of becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse.
Jackie devoted her life to her family and her community, serving in many positions within the Seneca Nation of Indians. She held positions in retail at the Seneca One Stop, administration of the Allegany Reservation JTPA Program, and assistant manager of Highbanks Campground prior to moving into public service. Jackie served two terms as a Surrogate Judge, first elected in 1988 and again in 1993. In 2004, she was appointed Deputy Clerk for the tribe, and was then elected and served as the Seneca Nation Clerk in 2006 and the Treasurer in 2008.
Throughout her life, Jackie also volunteered with numerous community committees and boards, including the Allegany Indian Fair Committee, Keeper of the Western Door Pow Wow Committee, serving as Project Manager for 10 years, Title IV Indian Education Parent Committee for 8 years, Head Start Policy Council, Seneca Women’s Awareness Group, the first Remember the Removal Committee, Cornplanter Descendant’s Association, and an original member of the AIRVFD Ladies’ Auxiliary.
Jackie enjoyed traveling and exploring the country, especially the southwest with her longtime partner in shenanigans, Guy Patterson, who predeceased her in 2016. She most enjoyed celebrating family and friends and her Seneca community.
Surviving are: a son, Todd (Michael Croncetta) Waite; 2 daughters, Kelly (David Snow) Waite, Sara (David) Isaac; 7 grandchildren, Collin (Mia Martel) Maybee, Corrine Maybee, Karsen Schoening, Tyrone (Abigail Blake) Bowen, Tomara (Zachary Helms) Bowen, Joey Isaac, Braydyn Isaac; 2 great-grandchildren, Hendrix Wetherby, Onyx Hunt, and another expected great-grandchild; a brother, Dennis (Alita) Bowen; special sister, Rebecca Bowen; a nephew, Dennis “Gino” (Tammy) Bowen Jr.; 2 nieces, Annabell (Brian) Bowen-Miller, Alyza (Dustin Frank) Bowen; an uncle, William Jones; and several cousins and special friends.
She was predeceased by two aunts, Norma Jones, Erna Redeye, a special uncle, Elwood Bowen, and her dear cousins, Howard and Joey Redeye.
Services were held at the Red House Memorial Church, East Loop Road, Jimersontown on Monday, January 20, 2025.
