Rosa Deans Sinclair, 88, of Jefferson, passed away Sept. 3 at Miles Memorial Hospital after a long illness, surrounded and supported throughout many months by her loving family, friends, caregivers and beloved pets. Rosa was born on July 24, 1924 in Alexandria, Va., the daughter of the late Rosa Barr Yateman and Charles Yateman.
Rosa lived a full and extraordinary life, made more so by her supreme love for her family, her friends and her community, and theirs for her. She served as a trustee at Lincoln Academy from 1991-2005 where she served on numerous committees and was instrumental in building a collaborative and supportive relationship between faculty and trustees. She served for many years as a selectman of the town of Jefferson, several of which as first selectman. She was the author of the town newsletter “Town Talk” until shortly before her passing. She and her husband Louis were active members of St. Giles Episcopal Church, where she served as senior warden, treasurer and curator of the annual art exhibit at the annual fair. She received the Arrow of St. Giles Award from St. Giles in 2006 in recognition of her service. She was a marvelous artist, a passion which she shared with her children and with those lucky enough to have one of her exquisite miniatures. She had a generous spirit, nurturing soul, inquisitive and intelligent mind, and an unending and unfailing love for her children and many friends. For her children, Rosa wasn’t just their mother, she was their devoted best friend.
She was predeceased by her husband, Louis in 1979; and son, Stephen in 2009.
Rosa is survived by her sons, Louis, Robert, and Douglas and wife Sandra; daughters, Rosa and husband Brian, and Elizabeth; grandsons, Eoin, Stephen, David; granddaughters, Alicia and Whitney; great-grandchildren, Aidan, Ilana, Isaak, Alex and Adelaide; daughter and grandchildren in spirit, Mary Elizabeth and children Madelyn Rose and Christopher; and many extended family and friends, most especially Karin, Lynne, Ron, Liz and Duane, Joan, John and Maggie.
Time to visit with family and friends 4-7 p.m., Fri., Sept. 7 at St. Giles Episcopal Church, Rt. 126, Jefferson. Celebration of life memorial service 11 a.m. Sat., Sept. 8 at St. Giles Episcopal Church; a reception to celebrate her glorious life will be held immediately after the ceremony. Officiating will be the Rev. Susan Kraus. There will be a private graveside service prior to the celebration.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Jefferson Food Bank, c/o First Baptist Church, Jefferson, ME 04348, or to St. Giles Episcopal Church.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
