Obir: Mary Dawson Sinclair

Mary Dawson Sinclair (January 2, 1907 - September 29, 2012), passed away on September 29, 2012, in Lunenburg, N.S. at age 105. She had recently moved to Harbour View Haven in Lunenburg from the New Beginnings Seniors' Residence, Yarmouth. She previously resided for more than fifty years on Brunswick Street in Yarmouth. Born January 2, 1907 in Port Greville, Cumberland County, NS, Mary was the daughter of Bessie Bell (MacLellan) and Francis Elwin Macumber. Following early education in her home area, in 1927 Mary earned a diploma in business from the Ladies Seminary of Acadia University. She worked at the Royal Bank in Wolfville until 1932 when she married Yarmouth native, Ernest Porter Sinclair. They began their lives together in northern New Brunswick (Bathurst and Campbellton) before returning to Yarmouth in 1950. Mary was a very convivial member of the community and an active volunteer in many community organizations. These included Eastern Star, the church choirs at Central United and Beacon United, the YMCA ladies organization, Ladies' Auxiliary of the Yarmouth Hospital (Treas. & Pres.), member and later chair of the Board of Sunset Terrace senior ladies residence. Throughout Mary's long and healthy life she had many friends and acquaintances that were important to her. She was a confidant to many. Her greatest joy was her family and she took great delight in nurturing her grandchildren and great grandchildren. The camp at Brazil Lake was a gathering place for family and friends who all have fond memories of happy times there each summer. Mary is survived by her daughter Marjorie Ritcey of Calgary [husband Robert, grandchildren Kurt (Diane), Mary Lynn Cowan, John (Sally) and Jeffrey and their families (8 great grandchildren)]; son Robert of Hebbville [wife Terry Ann, grandchildren Trevor (Jackie), Ann Findlay (Bill), Jane Sinclair (Shane White) and Kathryn (Geoff) and their families (6 great grandchildren)]. In 1992, she was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Ernest, and earlier, by an infant granddaughter, Beth Ann Sinclair, her brother Bud and many dear and cherished friends. A celebration of Mary's long and happy life was held January 2, 2007 in Yarmouth to celebrate her 100th birthday. She enjoyed every minute of the event and was very happy to see and visit her family and friends as well as to later peruse the many congratulatory cards. Mary's family is very grateful for the friendship, care and compassion of her many friends, particularly during her final years. Special appreciation is expressed to Linda and Bob Comeau and their staff at New Beginnings in Yarmouth where Mary lived and was provided excellent care since 2006. The later special final care she required was ably provided by the Harbour View Haven facility in Lunenburg for which her family is also thankful. It was Mary's wish that her body be donated to the Human Body Donation Program at Dalhousie University. A memorial service for her will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Yarmouth Hospital Charitable Foundation, 60 Vancouver St., Yarmouth B5A 2P5; Beacon United Church, 25 Beacon St., Yarmouth B5A 2W2; or to a charity of choice. Condolences may be forwarded to mritcey@... or you may sign the guestbook on-line at: www.sweenysfuneralhome.net. PHOTO # 1685392S

Halifax Chronical Herald October 2, 2012