SARAH JENNIFER SINCLAIR

Condolences & Memories (16 entries)

• Dear Jen, I hope your family will forgive a somewhat lengthy tribute. I was shocked and saddened to discover you had passed away, and saddened all the more that I only came to learn of your struggle for life today, nearly a year since your passing while doing melancholy google searches for the names of people for whom I have fond memories, in the hopes of maybe checking in. Jen, I regret that we did not meet for coffee after the half a dozen or so times we bumped into each other on Main St. in Mount Pleasant (2010-2012?) and exchanged numbers (yet again) in the course of our runnings about. We lived just blocks away from each other on 12th! But why regret those few missed moments when there are so many to re-collect? How many soccer games in the schoolyard at recess? How many afterschool cross-town bus rides from École Sacré-Cœur, presided over by Soeur Dumesnil in the North End of Winnipeg, towards our respective homes? - That familiar route - Sherbrook, Academy, Stafford, Corydon… I remember one of the first times I recognized you. As a relatively shy kid I watched nearly in awe as you chased that soccer ball while your beautiful, thick, long, brown, and tightly tied braid whipped back and fourth like a wild horse's tail. Everyone will agree you could run faster than any of the kids your age could and you played soccer with a level of skill and playfulness that intimidated even older boys who fancied themselves big, big athletes. I wonder if you remembered as many times as I did that time we sat next to each other at the front of the chartered bus on the last day of our school trip - French Camp in St. Jovite, Québec. The front of the bus was the official area for sick kids, and you teased me a little by calling me “sicky”, while you were sick too. We cringed from the taste of the “jus de riz” that Madame LeGras was forcing all us sick kids to drink - her remedy for the bad water we had drank. We joked about the accent of the Quebecois kids...funny. How many school dances at River Heights followed by Pizza at Santa Lucia, or Tubby’s? How many summer nights spent hanging out in the parking lot of Niagara sev? Winter nights at Academy Lanes “the alleys”, 80s house parties we were too young to be at, bush parties at Richardson, tobogganing stoned at Omand’s Creek, meeting you and James Z. at Chicken Delight on Corydon and Stafford for fries and gravy after Mass at St. Ignatius Church. Though we had become considerably distant, there was something peculiar about our relationship that I always appreciated you for. It was your wise and sisterly attitude towards me, much like I would have liked my actual sister to be, even though you were only two weeks older than me. You encouraged me, numerous times, to look on the bright side, keep my chin up, and never allowed me to feel sorry for myself, even when I was clearly a massive f*#@-up, and when I felt as though everyone was against me. Emblematic of your spirit was your very cool and down to earth personality, your incredible sense of humour, and your openness to friendship. It's why when we would bump into each other it felt as though we could speak freely without any need to impress the other by listing our accomplishments. I'm sorry that I was not there to return the same gifts to you at the end of your journey. Maybe those of us who share this regret will take solace in the fact that your spirit continues to progress towards greater things. Take care Jen. Your friend, with love, Clayton - Posted by: Clayton Wilson (Friend) on: Mar 25, 2014

• Quickly scanning a page and Jen's face struck me. I am sorry to read of her death. It is a face I have not seen in over twenty years, but hers was a smile that I will never forget. We were not friends per se, but Jen was always friendly to me. She always stopped and spoke with me - she made time for me - her positive nature and authentic demeanour had a lasting impact. My condolences to the family, and especially to John. - Posted by: N Cohnstaedt (fellow student) on: Jun 19, 2013

• As a fellow Kelvinite, I'd like to express my sincere condolences to Jen's family. - Posted by: Jamie McLennan () on: Jun 19, 2013

• Sorry to hear Jen lost her battle. We went to River Heights and Kelvin together. I am glad she got the chance to follow her heart even though it took her away from those of us still in Winnipeg. I hope she is at peace and admiring the view. - Posted by: Edwina Michelle Kaderle (friend) on: Jun 18, 2013

• What a battle fought, so sorry to hear of your passing so young. Many fond memories include toast in math class, french braids in France and running into you at Granville Island. (likely just after you moved there). You are and will continue to be in my thoughts. - Posted by: Allison Cooney (Past School Mate) on: Jun 18, 2013

• I taught and coached Jennifer at Kelvin High. I am so pleased to learn of her creative and valuable work. She was everything a good athlete should be...passionate, determined and committed. I am so sorry for your loss. - Posted by: Deborah Romeyn (Teacher) on: Jun 16, 2013

• So sorry that I cannot attend the funeral service in Winnipeg as I am out of province until mid July. - Posted by: Sister Leonne Dumesnil (Sacre Coeur) on: Jun 15, 2013

• When I saw the name Sarah Sinclair in the Free Press today, the name immediately reminded me of a student at Sacre Coeur. The obit confirmed that it was whom I knew. My sympathy to the family. May my thoughts and prayers bring you comfort during this difficult time. I'm impressed with Sarah's accomplishments. - Posted by: Sister Leonne Dumesnil (Sacre Coeur School) on: Jun 15, 2013

• I remember how cool& humble Jen was. People always wanted to be around her. I had the opportunity to meet her through soccer. She was an amazing soccer player and an awesome sport. She always seemed to have fun. Does anyone from our team remember our road trip to Minneapolis? - Posted by: Tracy Zimmerman (Friend and River Heights Soccer Team mate) on: Jun 14, 2013

• My deepest sympathies. I knew Jennifer growing-up. She was a warm and wonderful person. She will be dearly missed. Our sincere condolences. - Posted by: Peter Jachetta & Family (family friend) on: Jun 14, 2013

• I went to school with Sarah at Kelvin and just wanted to express condolences to the family. - Posted by: Russell (old school mate) on: Jun 14, 2013

• I went to River Heights and Kelvin with Jen and always remembered her awesome sense of humour, big smile and kindness for others. We lost touch after we graduated and I am so happy for her that she went on to lead such an meaningful and vibrant life..I would have expected it from her. My thoughts go out to her family and friends. - Posted by: Chris Frayer (Past school mate and friend) on: Jun 13, 2013

• I loved Jen with all of my heart and I am going to miss her every day until we meet again. I loved her infectious laugh, intelligence and sensitivity. Jen's intuition was evident all the time in conversation. She just seemed to "know". I am grateful that I got to spend 1-1 time with her just before her diagnosis and be carefree. We shared many things and I will always remember that special time. I pray that God's comforting hand will touch all family members and friends and help us as we mourn the loss of Jen. We know we'll be with her again someday and we can celebrate that! - Posted by: Sheila Sinclair Toni (Aunt/ Godmother) on: Jun 13, 2013

• Kathy, Matt and family, so sorry for your loss. Know that Jen is in a better place healthy and happy now. Kathy you all went above and beyond for Jen and will all have lots of good memories with her. - Posted by: Vicki Bazarynski (friend of family) on: Jun 12, 2013

• I played club volleyball with Jen and was always amazed she was so calm while the rest of us were nowhere close. She had a great sense of humor and always gave you a boost when needed. I saw her dance once too and was totally blown away. She tried her best to help me and spent a road trip or two rolling around laughing at the spasms as she called them. I was trying to make dance moves out of not a lot of style. I did "the worm" and "moon walk" one morning before a game and she was so proud. My thoughts go to her family, friends, and all who knew her. She will be missed but what an impact she made while she was with us. Erin - Posted by: Erin (Volleyball team) on: Jun 05, 2013

• A life gone too soon. I remember Jennifer's character to be strong and infectious...always ready to share a laugh. I am saddened by this news and my thoughts go out to her entire family. - Posted by: Dale Sedo (Wesmen Volleyball) on: Jun 02, 2013