Thursday, Feb. 10
February 10, 2011Norah Dufrene
February 14, 2011
Marjorie Sinclair, 94, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and educator, died Monday, February 7 at Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg, MS.
Born Marjorie Louise de la Bretonne on October 28, 1916 in Bogalusa, LA, she moved at an early age to Houma, La., with her parents Henry Victor and Elizabeth Ernest de la Bretonne. She graduated from high school at age 15 and entered Louisiana Normal College to pursue a degree in mathematics education. Upon graduation she enrolled at LSU where she earned a Master’s Degree in mathematics at age 19. She subsequently obtained the Specialist certification and taught in the Terrebonne Parish school system for 25 years. Among her most satisfying achievements were preparing students for regional and state mathematics competitions and encouraging students to academic excellence. Her efforts were honored when the Marjorie Sinclair Chapter of the National Honor Society was established at Houma Jr. High School.
She was a dedicated Catholic and attended St. Francis de Sales Cathedral in Houma and St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Hattiesburg. She was a life member of Delta Kappa Gamma. She challenged herself intellectually throughout her lifetime, and well into her nineties, was an avid reader, sports fan, follower of current events and enjoyed working New York Times crossword puzzles.
She met her beloved husband of 67 years, Charles Ralph Sinclair, when the couple played opposite one another in the lead roles in the 1938 Terrebonne Little Theater production, The Night of January 16th. Their on-stage romance developed into an enduring marriage marked by unfailing love and devotion. They were separated by his death in 2006.
Her parents, five brothers, Henry, Jacques, Archibald, Laurence, and Ernest de la Bretonne, four sisters, Florence and Dorothy de la Bretonne, Elizabeth Payne, and Gladys Carroll, and a grandson, Charles Randolph Sinclair also preceded her in death.
She is survived by her son C. Richard Sinclair and his wife Marlyn of Miramar Beach, FL, and daughter Dr. Barbara Ellender and her husband Dr. R. D. Ellender of Hattiesburg, MS. Also left to cherish the memory of their “Mimi” are six grandchildren: Robert and David Sinclair, Jennifer Sinclair Lauderdale, Hollyn Ellender Christensen, Erin Ellender Chandler, and Caroline Ellender Compretta; and thirteen great-grandchildren: Annika Sinclair, Charles Sinclair, Nicholas, Jacob, Zachary and Matthew Lauderdale, Connor, William and Annabeth Christensen, Jackson and Olivia Chandler, and Trey and Benjamin Compretta. Mrs. Sinclair and her family considered her loyal and compassionate caregiver, Barbara Floyd, a dear friend.
She is interred at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery.
It was Mrs. Sinclair’s wish that any expressions of condolence be made in the form of charitable contributions to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, c/o St. Thomas Catholic Church, 3117 W. 4th St., Hattiesburg, MS 39401.
