ALMA SINCLAIR

ANOTHER BALLINAFAD PIONEER HAS DEPARTED-

Alma Sinclair (McEnery), who spent all her life in the Fad, has passed away.

Sinclair, Alma (nee McEnery) - Passed away peacefully, on Tuesday September 20, 2011, at Extendicare Halton Hills, in her 92nd year. Beloved wife of the late Norman Sinclair (1997). Loving mother of Brian (Susan) and Kathryn (Mel). Proud Nana of Ryan and Mark and Brent and Clark. Predeceased by her brother Jesse McEnery and by her sister Pearl Sinclair. Alma will be lovingly remembered by her many nieces and nephews and their families. 

Friends will be received at the J.S. Jones & Son Funeral Home, 11582 Trafalgar Rd., north of Maple Ave., Georgetown, (905) 877-3631 on Thursday September 22nd from 7-9 pm. Funeral service will be held in the chapel on Friday September 23, 2011 at 2:00 pm. 

Interment Greenwood Cemetery, Georgetown. 

In lieu of flowers, donations to a charity of choice would be appreciated. 

As we began the Fallbrook campaign in December of 2007, Mrs. Sinclair was the one first elders whom we had the privilege of meeting. She introduced me to her neighbour Normie McKecknie who lived across the hall at Mountainview Retirement Home. They both lit up as they talked about the ``old life`` in Ballinafad. Mrs. McKecknie spent much time at the Fallbrook Farm and had fond memories. She died shortly after our visit

In this picture, we see a radiant Mrs. Sinclair describing life in the Fad during her interview with Erin Grant for the Oral History Project. Her memories were crystal clear and one got a real feeling of life in the Fad. She was especially enthusiastic when describing the dances at the community hall. Her brother-in-law was a floor manager, the one who organised the event and called the different dances. As a child and than married and bringing up a family, life on the poor farmland was not easy. Although she had known much hardship, Mrs .Sinclair never complained saying, ‘We always had food on the table, a roof over our head and friendly neighbours to work with and pass a long winter evening. She personifies perfectly the pioneer spirit of the Fad

The original homestead of Gilbert Sinclair is seen in the drawing above. Both Norm and Bessie Sinclair (my grandmother) grew up here. A description of the farm which Norm and Alma lived in is described in the Tweedsmuir histories http://www.wcm.on.ca/tweedsmuir/pdf/TownofErin/BallinafadWI/1/137.pdf .

The McEnery Farm is described at
http://www.wcm.on.ca/tweedsmuir/pdf/TownofErin/BallinafadWI/1/092.pdf

Alma Sinclair was a leader of the Women, Institute in Ballinafad for many years
http://www.wcm.on.ca/tweedsmuir/pdf/TownofErin/BallinafadWI/2/108.pdf .

In the Tweedsmuir histories, there are many entries under Alma Sinclair but most are old pictures which do not appear clearly. We would gladly add all pictures we receive of Mrs. Sinclair.

Alma Sinclair was the first contributor to the Ballinafad Oral History Project. She directed us to many of the original pioneers, as did Wilma Sinclair. Although the early part of her life was in difficult conditions, she was strong, kind and enjoyed the solidarity of the Fad community. She raised a fine family. To her family and close friends, we send our condolences. Her spirit and stories will live on, remembered by us all and saved for future generations through the Oral History Project.

Sandy McKay, Quebec City. October 15, 2011

Here is the interview that was done with Alma for the Oral History Project at the University of Guelph. It was done in Alma's 89th year.