Jane Sinclair Obituary

Jane Donaghe Sinclair was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Her parents were James and Stella (Ross) Donaghe an accountant with Irish roots, and a schoolteacher. Jane was the second of five children. A junior high teacher encouraged Jane's artistic talent and, in her teens, Jane entered and won many art competitions. She earned a BFA from the University of Texas, Austin, and an MFA from The University of Illinois, Urbana. She won the Kinley Foundation Grant and attended The American Academy in Rome. In 1965, she moved to California to teach art and art history at Chapman University (then College). She met Cameron Sinclair from the English and Religion departments, and they married in September 1968. Jane won an award for excellence in teaching. Besides inspiring and encouraging students, Jane was a practicing post-modernist painter. She organized complex images- often intricate, detailed small paintings, many from art history- integrating oil collage, photographs, color Xerox, and using pattern and repetition, to create layers of meaning. Jane took part in many juried art exhibitions over the years, and won many awards. In marrying Cam, Jane inherited four children, Connie, Beth, Cory and Jill. A generous, loving stepmother, she also embraced the grandchildren with delight. Jane traveled all around the world. She was a well-informed citizen concerned with women's rights, social justice, and the treatment of animals. She had a wicked sense of humor. She read voraciously. She was an inquisitive, thoughtful person and was treasured by family, friends, students, and colleagues. Jane retired in May 2001 after 35 years of teaching as Professor Emeritus. She died Sept 2, 2021 in Santa Rosa, CA. The youngest daughter Jill, had predeceased her, as did Cam, who so deeply loved and savored her presence. Among the Donaghes, Jane was predeceased by her parents, brothers Buddy and Bob, and is survived by sister Pat, brother Bruce, nieces and nephews. Her memorial service will be held at the Chapman Fish Interfaith Center when travel is safe.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Sep. 26, 2021.
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Sincere condolences to the Sinclair Family, May you be comforted by the God of Tender Mercies. May he bind up and mend your grieving hearts with his loving kindness and peace. May he support you during this time of sorrow as he carries your load of your grief. Psalm 68:19

BRY

September 26, 2021

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