Georgia Lee Sinclair

Georgia Lee Rabbe Sinclair, 92, of Petersburg, Illinois, passed away peacefully at her home surrounded by her family on Wednesday, February 25, 2026. She was born on August 14, 1933, in Saint Charles, Missouri, to George Franklin "Dutch" and Jessie Helen (nèe Etter) Rabbe. She married Robert Dale Sinclair on October 2, 1954, in Petersburg.

Georgia is survived by her loving husband of 71 years and three children: Steven Dale Sinclair (Amanda Ann Sinclair wife and grandson Nathan Dale Sinclair) of Nashville, Tennessee; Cynthia Lee Sinclair of Petersburg, and George Dolan Sinclair of Springfield, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents.

A lifelong resident of Petersburg, Georgia first went to country schools where her mother was the teacher. She graduated from Harris High School in 1951 where she excelled in vocal music.

Georgia was born into the First Christian Church family where she served as Sunday School teacher, choir member, board member, and organizer of events and socials. She later attended the Tallula Baptist Church when Dale became pastor there. She said, "If there's one thing I did as a mother; I brought my children to the Lord."

Georgia taught swimming lessons for 30 years, beginning in the 1950s, by driving her students to beautiful Pecan Run near Kilbourne, then moving to the New Salem Lodge pool. She taught hundreds of children and adults and was a superior swim instructor according to the Red Cross.

She was often greeted with a hug by a former "swim kid".

A master bridge player, she played in multiple clubs and in her later years, happily shared her knowledge of the game with friends during weekly lessons.

Georgia was one of the leaders in the movement to form the New Salem Lincoln League and rallied to raise funds to save the PORTA pool. Georgia was a member of the Petersburg Woman's Club, Crimestoppers board and president of New Salem Seekers Collectors Club. With her antique collection, she proudly brought home blue ribbons from the Illinois State Fair for over 20 years.

A devoted mother, Georgia's most cherished moments were making memories with her family. Her legacy of generosity will certainly live on, as well as her vibrant and loving personality.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am at the First Christian Church, 210 S. 8th St, Petersburg, Illinois 62675. A memorial service will follow beginning at 11:00 am. A luncheon will be held at the church at 12:00 pm following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Menard Animal Protection (MAP), 125 W. Concord Drive, Petersburg, Illinois 62675 or www.menardanimalprotection.org.

Hurley Funeral Home in Petersburg is assisting Georgia's family with arrangements. Please visit hurleyfh.com for Georgia's online obituary.