Betty Sinclair Obituary

Betty "June" Sinclair was born on Queen Anne hill in Seattle on August 4,1926 to Victor F. and Jessie J. (May Bush) Fleischman. During World War II, she married James E. Sinclair, who became an Army air cadet, and they lived in Texas and Mississippi.

After moving back to north Seattle, they raised three sons, and also took a few extra under their wings. Always an avid gardener, June returned to school and got a degree in horticulture while Jim continued building houses in the Shoreline area. June and Jim had a succession of German shepherds and black Labrador dogs as companions, and they relocated to Port Ludlow where June had more space to plant and enjoy her garden.

June raised species rhododendrons, traveled extensively, and trekked to Asia several times to find seed specimens to share with the American Rhododendron Society's seed exchange, the Rhododendron Species Foundation, and many others, and grew thousands of rhododendron seedlings.

For her work and dedication, she was awarded the ARS's prestigious Gold Medal Award in 2011. June was passionate about many human rights causes and greatly enjoyed discussing political issues with neighbors and friends. After living an independently long and busy life, June's world was reduced by dementia, but her wish to live in her own home, with her dog, and surrounded by her garden, was fulfilled with the invaluable help of her caregivers Jeanine, Shawn, Rebecca, and Rita, and the awesome support of the Jefferson Healthcare Hospice team.

June passed away at the age of 97 on April 26, 2024, preceded in death by her parents, brother Dick, husband Jim, and sons Mike and Pat. She is survived by her son Mickey (and Lois), grandchildren Corinna, Vianah, Mike, and Nick, and their families, and her faithful dog Sonic. For information on a Celebration of Life to be held on August 4 in Port Ludlow, please email [email protected].