Mary Almira Sinclair

Mary Almira Underwood Sinclair peacefully passed from this life December 27, 2014 at the home, 1 Rollingwood, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, with her husband Robert at her side. Married 69 years, her last days were in comfort as she was a believer and of the Lutheran faith. Mary was born February 22, 1925 in Columbus Ohio into a family of seven children. Her father was Charles William Underwood Sr. Her mother, Ida Ghent Underwood, was mother to three sons -Charles Jr., Irvin, Raymond and four daughters- Alice, Evelyn, Mary and Ruth. Ruth Price of San Diego is the last living family member. Father Charles William Underwood Sr., was employed at a Columbus company that built large buildings throughout the Midwest. He was the superintendent of the construction of these buildings in charge of all trades. Because his position required frequent moves, Mary attended four different high schools. Mary graduated from Columbus West High School in June 1942. She began work that year at the home office of Farm Bureau Insurance Company, now Nationwide Insurance, and remained there until 1953. She was promoted from Claims Clerk to her last position of Administrative Assistant to the assistant to the president of the company. March 31, 1945, Mary married Robert E. Sinclair (Bob) while he was on active duty in the Navy. Mary was gifted with many talents she used during her life. She handled all the finances of the family including those for husband Robert, who was a practicing physician. She was a photographic model in Columbus Ohio, posing for business advertisements in newspapers and magazines. As a talented artist, she loved oil painting on canvas as well as creating numerous pen and ink drawings of historical architecture around the country which she sold nationwide. Several books of her drawings depict historical houses of the South which she completed as a member of the Tuscaloosa Genealogy Society. She wrote and published books on genealogy and history, several of which are in the Library of Congress. As a long-time member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she authored a book on the history of the Tuscaloosa Chapter. She served as president of the Athena Study Club for two terms. As an active member of the Medical Auxiliary in Manhattan, Kansas she volunteered many hours to the yearly book sales. Mary also was the family seamstress and designed many of her work clothes. She continued to sew throughout her life, making Halloween costumes, theater costumes and prom dresses for her daughters. She served as leader for Brownie and Girl Scout troops while her daughters were growing up. Her life was full but always her first passion was being a wife and mother. Her surviving family members include her husband, Robert E. Sinclair, M.D., and daughters, Marcia Sinclair Grauerholz and husband Marcus of Olathe, Kansas, and Bonnie Sinclair Andrews and husband Bruce of Parker, Colorado. Grandchildren include Jesselyn Grauerholz Neufeld and husband Ryan of Normal, Illinois, Zachary Marc Sinclair Grauerholz and fiancée Tina Price of Lenexa, Kansas, Robert Richard Parker and wife Stacy Householder - Parker of Denver, Colorado, Charles Andrew Parker of Boulder, Colorado and Elizabeth Marie Parker of Ft. Collins, Colorado. Great grandchildren include Henry Alexander Neufeld and Ronen Andrew Neufeld of Normal, Illinois. Mary and Bob will be forever grateful to the presence of Dr. J. Brian Wilhite M.D , Hospice of West Alabama, Reba Johnston and Helen Sanders for their everyday care and encouragement during Mary's last weeks. Celebration of her life will be on Saturday, January 10, 2015 at the Schoedinger Hilltop Chapel, 3030 West Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43204 with visitation from 9-11 A.M. A graveside service will follow at 11:30 A.M. at Green Lawn Cemetery, 1000 Greenlawn Ave, Columbus, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Hospice of West Alabama, 3851 Loop Road, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, 35404. Visit www.schoedinger.com to share a favorite memory or extend condolences.