FORT KENT – Rose A. Nadeau Sinclair, 89, passed away Aug. 8, 2011, at a Fort Kent health care facility. She was born Jan. 23, 1922, in Plaisted, daughter of Charles and Blanche (Leboeuf) Nadeau.
Rose leaves behind a legacy of love and leadership. Born of humble beginnings, she worked her way to success in business and the community as a longtime local business woman who owned and operated Mclellans Dress Shop for many years until her retirement. She was a local historian and was a go to person to find out anything historical in the community. One of her favorite pastimes was spending time at her camp, entertaining friends and family. The list is long, but some memorable accomplishments include being one of the first female hunting and fishing registered Maine guides, the first woman on Fort Kent Town Council, the first female awarded Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year, and one of the few Republicans in Fort Kent who could call Bill Cohen, Olympia Snow and Susan Collins friends. She was friends with Bud Leavitt and Ted Williams as well. Always self-effacing when complimented on completing one of her projects, she would say, “I don’t understand what the fuss is, it needed to be done.” She will be sorely missed by her family and the community she loved so dearly has lost one of its strongest advocates.
Rose is survived by her sister, Therese Bard of Fort Kent; three special nephews, Rocky and his wife, Peggy Bard, and their children, Heather and Jessica, Roland and his wife, Eva Bard, and their children, Vicky and Chris, and Joey and his wife, Pam Bard, and their children, Charles, Thomas, Samuel and Emily; one special niece, Rose Marie Bard Kile and her husband, Paul Kile, and their children, Rocky and Joey Kile; and special stepdaughter, Susan Nevins. We have lost one of a kind. She was predeceased by her much loved husband, John Sinclair; and two brothers, Reno and Camille Nadeau.
Friends may call 10 a.m. Friday at Daigle Funeral Home, Fort Kent. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Friday at St. Louis Catholic Church, Fort Kent. Committal services will be after at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Wallagrass. Those who wish may donate in Rose’s memory to Fort Kent Historical Society, P.O. Box 181, Fort Kent, ME 04743 or a charity of one’s choice.