Sheila Kathleen Sinclair

On February 11, 2021, Sheila Kathleen Sinclair of Palm Desert passed away at the age of 80. Born on November 21, 1940 in Durban, South Africa, Sheila was the daughter of immigrants to South Africa: David Greenland from India and Constance Lindsay of Kenya. She spent the first 28 years of her life in KwaZulu Natal-South Africa, with her parents and three sisters, Dorothy Ralphs, Patricia Owens and Elizabeth Mountford.

On October 19, 1963, she married her husband Malcolm (Mal) Sinclair, a marriage which lasted 57 years and had two children, Fiona and Barry, both born in Durban prior to immigrating to the United States on December 20, 1968, where she and her family made a home in Southern California.

Sheila was very social, had many friends and enjoyed a wide range of activities. As a young woman in South Africa, she played field-hockey and this was where she met Mal. In California, she was an avid tennis player in clubs in Downey and Los Alamitos. After relocating to Palm Desert in the year 2000, she joined the Palm Desert Greens Women’s Golf Club, not only playing golf but also volunteering as a committee member. Her support was rewarded on January 24, 2021 with a Life Member Award, of which she was extremely proud. Living in Palm Desert Greens Country Club with her husband Mal, making friends and playing golf, was a very happy part of her life. Sheila gave back to her community and provided valuable assistance as a volunteer at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church and also at Eisenhower Medical Center.

The love and care shown to Sheila by her family during her long illness was evident as they never left her side. Mal is especially grateful to his daughter Fiona and son Barry, who showed continued strength and support day after day. Sheila is survived by her husband, Malcolm; her son Barry Sinclair; her daughter Fiona Everett, married to Chris Everett; her grandchildren Hannah (married to Enrique), Connor, Jasmine (married to Austin) and Chris II; and her sisters Dorothy Ralphs (married to Boris), Ebie Mountford and Trish Owens (married to Dave).

Sheila led a fun-filled and radiant life, and she was loved by everyone who knew her. She will be missed.

Service will be private.