1923 - 2018
AUBURN - Evelyn Bishop Sinclair, 94, passed away suddenly in her home on March 7.
Evelyn was born on October 8, 1923, in Hillsborough, New Brunswick. The daughter of
Martha Caldwell Bishop and Aubrey Sterling Bishop, Evelyn spent her childhood in New
Brunswick and Nova Scotia, where her father served as a Baptist minister. After graduating
from high school, Evelyn taught for one year in a one-room schoolhouse. She then pursued her
nursing degree at the prestigious Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, Quebec.
After World War II, Evelyn moved to her parents’ home in Springvale, Maine, continuing
her nursing career at Goodall Hospital in Sanford. While in Springvale, she met and married
Raymond Blanchard Sinclair, and the couple built their first house together. Soon afterward,
Raymond achieved his dream of becoming a trooper in the Maine State Police. He was
assigned to patrol the Maine Turnpike, and the family relocated to Auburn to be closer to his
barracks.
In the 1950s, Evelyn began working as a substitute teacher, and this experience inspired
her to start a second career in education. At the time, Evelyn had two children, Scott age 10 and Catherine age 13, and her husband was battling a serious chronic illness. Nonetheless, she spent four years
commuting from Auburn to Gorham to earn her education degree from Gorham College, and
she even had a third child, Robert Raymond. In the subsequent decades, Evelyn taught fifth
and sixth grades at Lake Street and Webster Schools in Auburn, sharing her special passion for
social studies with generations of students.
Evelyn's belief in the importance of learning extended into her personal life as well.
Whether reading biographies, reciting poetry, studying Greek, or memorizing the nations of
Africa, she was always striving to know more and do more. Even when she lost most of her
vision, Evelyn eagerly listened to her “talking books” on the lives of presidents, history, and
world politics; and she passed this curiosity and intellectual rigor to her children and
grandchildren.
Throughout her life, Evelyn was also passionate about athletics. As a self-proclaimed
“tomboy,” she spent her childhood riding her bike for miles, swimming in rivers, and playing
softball. As an adult, Evelyn enjoyed swimming, tennis, and skiing with family and friends. She
was also an avid golfer, and, over the years, she had memberships at Martindale, Poland
Spring, and Prospect Hill.
Whether playing golf or Scrabble, Evelyn always enjoyed the camaraderie as much as the
competition. She volunteered in different community organizations, including Androscoggin
Home Care and Hospice, CMMC, and the Auburn schools. In addition, she was a committed
donor to the Auburn SPCA and Maine Public Radio.
Evelyn is survived by daughter Catherine Boutin of Auburn; son Scott Sinclair and his
partner Michelle Adler of Naples; and son Robert Sinclair and his wife Amy of Greenville, South
Carolina. Evelyn is survived by grandson Todd Marquis Boutin and his wife Lori of Mechanic
Falls; grandson Troy Boutin and his partner Wendy Frayer of Mechanic Falls; granddaughter Jill
Sanders and her husband Damon of Stafford, Virginia; and granddaughter Mya Sinclair and
grandson Max Sinclair of Greenville, South Carolina. Evelyn is survived by four
great-grandchildren: Colin Marquis Boutin, Ellen Marquis Boutin, Joseph Charles Sanders, and
Joshua Raymond Sanders. Other surviving family members include David Bishop, David
Bergeron and his children and grandchildren, and Donald Boutin. Evelyn was predeceased by
her parents Martha and Aubrey Bishop, her sister Dorothy, her brother George, a baby daughter
Heidi, husband Raymond Blanchard Sinclair.
The family would like to thank all of Evelyn’s friends who provided support and companionship, over the last several years. That support allowed her to remain in her home. The family would also like to
thank the Maine State Police, the Auburn Police Department, the Auburn Fire Department, and
the Maine Warden Service for their courtesy, care, and respect.
Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting Evelyn’s online guestbook at www.thefortingrouplewiston.com
FUNERAL NOTICE:
SINCLAIR – Evelyn B., 94, passed away on March 7, 2018 in Auburn. At this time, there will be no services. Arrangements are under the care and direction of The Fortin Group Funeral Home, Cremation and Monument Services, 70 Horton St., Lewiston, Maine 04240. 784-4584.
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