Cecilia J. Sinclair

Cecilia Josephine Bilodeau Sinclair, 91, of South Burlington, passed away early Friday morning, May 20, 2016 at the UVM Medical Center after a short illness, while holding the hand of her loving husband of seventy-one years. "Dolly" as she was affectionately known to family and friends, was born on April 28, 1925 in Rochester, Vermont but spent her childhood in Johnson. She was the daughter of Wilfred and Josephine Corriveau Bilodeau. She graduated from Johnson High School and attended Johnson State Teachers College after which she taught school in North Hyde Park. She met the love of her life, Robert Orville Sinclair, while in high school, and they were married on September 5, 1944. Dolly provided a wonderful home life in South Burlington where she raised two sons and supported the career of her husband, entertaining family, friends, and Bob's colleagues from the University of Vermont. She was proud of her French heritage and enjoyed making trips to Quebec to visit her French Canadian relatives. She enjoyed cooking the foods of her mother, especially crepes, tourtierres and pies, much to the delight of her family. Dolly had an artistic touch, and worked in a variety of medians including flower arrangement, quilting, pottery, lapidary, stain glass, and finally watercolors. She particularly enjoyed sewing beautiful clothing for her two grandchildren. Dolly is survived by her husband, Bob, and their two sons, Robert William and wife Beverly of Rutland, and Steven James and wife Susan of East Montpelier, and their children Elizabeth from Washington DC and Sean who is currently in the Peace Corps serving in Ghana, West Africa. She is also survived and lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews. Dolly is predeceased by sisters Mary Jane King, Yvonne Sargent, Marie Lackard and a brother Wilfred Roland Bilodeau. Dolly would wish to be remembered as a loving wife, mother, and especially grandmother or Memere. She was a friend to many and a welcoming hostess to those who came to her home. Being the lone survivor on her parents side, she was cherished by her nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint John Vianney Catholic Church in South Burlington on Wednesday, May 25 at 11 AM with internment to follow at 2pm in Lamoille View Cemetery in Johnson. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, May 24 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at the Ready Funeral Home, South Chapel, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington. To those who wish, contributions can be made to the March of Dimes, 57 So. Main Street, Waterbury, VT 05676. Arrangements are in the care of Ready Funeral Services, 261 Shelburne Road, Burlington.