Jeanette Ella Sinclair

Jeanette E Sinclair November 24, 1925-May 21, 2022 Rock Island, Washington Jeanette E Sinclair, 96, enter into rest on the morning of May 21, just 10 days short of her husband Richard's passing eight years ago on the eve of their 67th wedding anniversary, May 31, 2014. They had a wonderful marriage and accomplished much in their many years together. She was born November 24, 1925, to William and Elsie (Keane) Gilbert in Wenatchee Washington. She lost both parents at a very young age. Her Mom passed away at a young age and it was said her dad left her and her brother in the care of relatives and never contacted them again. With the help of some family members and their expertise in genealogy, we were finally able to put that nagging question to rest and provide her with his last known whereabouts in California. After he left, she was raised by her two aunts from the pioneer Keane family of Badger Mountain above Rock Island. Of special significance was the time she spent with her Aunt Ethel and Uncle Arch Standerfer, with whom she remained very close throughout her adult life. In addition to her own brother Bill, who preceded her in death in 1976, Mom always considered her Aunt Ethel's two boys Jim & Rene', like brothers as well. Much of her early life was spent in and around the Rock Island area and the family was told many stories of those early days attending Rock Island Elementary and ice skating on a frozen area of the Columbia River behind the now-defunct Keokuk plant. During the time she lived with relatives she had an uncle who followed the construction trade, and she spoke of having lived in Electric City, Ellensburg, and Kodiak Alaska. Later she returned to East Wenatchee where she finished her schooling and met and married the man of her dreams on June 1st, 1947. Daughter Judi arrived in June of '48, Rich Jr. in November of '52, and Ken in October of '58. They moved from their home in East Wenatchee to Rock Island in the early 60s where they remained until Dad's retirement from the old Keokuk plant. In the early 90's they joined son Ken, his wife Lindy, and her parents Don & Hazel Wallace to develop the 3 adjoining properties on the riverfront that eventually became a stunning landscape achievement and was featured one year in the local Tour of Gardens. In the 20 or so good years that followed their move to the riverfront property, they were able to fulfill almost all the dreams they had for their golden years together. Mom's place was always in the home cooking up delicious meals, and baked goods, and keeping her house as neat as a pin with everything in its place. Dad on the other hand spent endless hours outside beautifying the landscape or fiddling with some project in his garage. They were so completely different, yet they complimented each other perfectly. Towards the end of their time on the property, Dad's health began to fail so more and more time was spent between the two of them just sitting together inside or on the deck, while others in the family picked up the duties outside. Those were very difficult years for Mom and Dad and for the family. Her loss when he passed was something she never got over and she would often say how much she missed him and wished he was still with her. The family would like to make special mention of Ashly Reeves who became their first caregiver and saw Dad and Mom through the first period of many difficult years that followed. After Ashly left Caitlin Wilkinson came on board and was there when the trials really started with dementia. So, in the nearly 8 years since Dad passed, there was a total of 10 different caregivers who came and went. Each caregiver had special qualities and different ways of doing things to make things the best for Mom. The family is very thankful to all of them for all their efforts as dementia became worse and the load became heavier. The last 3 caregivers in particular endured a very difficult time with Mom as she declined significantly. A huge thank you and kudos to Meggan Andrews, Jorga Starr, and Francis Krohn. They all loved her dearly and gave above and beyond their normal caregiving duties. It was that beautiful smile of Jeanette's that kept them coming back. We were fortunate that Mom even up towards the end was usually able to make basic conversation and still knew who family members were. We're all relieved that she's finally free of the torment and suffering that dementia brings. She is survived by her three children, Judi (Roger) Reeves of East Wenatchee, Rich (Sue) Sinclair of Wenatchee Ken (Lindy) of Rock Island, and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, plus many other family relatives who are descendants of the original Keane family. A graveside burial service will be held for friends and family on Friday, June 3rd at Evergreen Memorial Park in East Wenatchee at 1:00 p.m. For her children, her immediate and extended family, relatives, and friends who knew her and remain, she will always be remembered for her beautiful smile, her gracious, giving qualities and generosity, her great sense of humor, her many unique gifts and talents, any and all things 'pink', and her love for all animals but especially for the many different cats she had down through the years. All though Jeanette weathered many difficulties at an early age she overcame them all to become the best at whatever she undertook. She is now gone from our site, but never forgotten and will be forever in our hearts. Mom and Dad are now together again.

Jeanette Ella Sinclair

November 24, 1925 - May 21, 2022