How do you measure the love of a mother? We feel very blessed to have had one of the best. After 97 years of a well-lived life, Betty died peacefully after meaningful goodbyes with all her family. She is now re-united with her beloved husband, Stew.
Mom was born on a farm outside Moose Jaw and grew up in North Battleford, Saskatchewan as the cherished daughter of Charlie and Lillian Sinclair and sister to Graham (Gig). From a very early age, her exceptional musical talent exhibited itself and many family hours were spent with Betty at the piano and Charlie and Lillian singing along to the hymns they loved.
Because they had the same surnames, a blind date was arranged in Saskatoon with Stew Sinclair who became the love of her life. They were married in 1950. Sandi, Debbie and Lindy followed and soon we were five. Their love for us was the foundation of our childhoods.
Mom’s optimism, strength, resilience and faith guided us many times as we moved from Calgary to Regina, Rockglen, Lethbridge, Pincher Creek, Winnipeg and Victoria. Wherever we went, the first thing mom did was seek out the local United Church, join the choir and share her rich alto voice and her piano or organ playing to the delight of the congregations. She made many lifelong friends through her church affiliations.
She had a wonderful sense of style, both in home decorating and fashion. She made every home we had comfortable and cozy, full of music and love. Our safe haven.
She had a deep love of family, music and her church, and was very proud of her Saskatchewan roots. She enjoyed gardening, reading, needlework, volunteering and watching the Blue Jays and Canucks on television. She was steadfast, strong, independent, loving, generous, intelligent, practical and kind.
Dad died at the young age of 69 and mom, never being one to feel sorry for herself, started the next chapter in her life and moved from their home in Cordova Bay back to Cadboro Bay to be nearer her church and family. Despite the fact she lost most of her sight to macular degeneration, she lived in her beautiful home until the last year of her life when health needs necessitated a move to extended care.
She leaves behind with cherished memories: Sandi Klaver (Bruce), Debbie Sinclair (Murray), Lindy Edmonds (Grant), grandchildren Sean, Charlie (Sarah), Jordie (Jindra), Alyson (Matt) and Ryan (Vanessa), nephew Jim Sinclair (Barb), great grandchildren, Angus, Claire, Lauren and Alexander.
We are grateful for the tender loving care she received from Jacqueline Fraser for many years and over the past year from the staff on the 7th floor of The Heights.
No service by request. Please consider a donation in her honour to Broadview United Church or the CNIB.
“I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For his eye is on the sparrow and I know he watches me.”
[the refrain from her favourite hymn]
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jim Sinclair
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Virginia Miller Betty was a lovely person. I thoroughly enjoyed and miss the many Thursday afternoon reading sessions we spent together. My condolences to all her family.
Sincerely,
Virginia
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Liane Blakeley We remember auntie Betty with such fondness. Visits from both auntie Betty and uncle Stew were always welcome. We’re so lucky to have had there example.
It’s sweet that she and your uncle Phil both loved the same hymn… now we’ll think of both of them when we see sparrows.
Much love ,
Rick and Liane
I’ve spent my life adoring Auntie Betty. All my memories of get-togethers with her, Uncle Stew, and the girls are fun and happy ones.
Barb, also, thought the world of her.
Jim Sinclair