Violet Sinclair, age 98, of Abercrombie, passed away peacefully on August 25, 2026, with family at her side.

Born July 27, 1928, along the idyllic coastal shores of her beloved Goldboro, Nova Scotia, she was the daughter of the late Anna Mae and Reginald Giffin and was raised by her maternal grandparents, the late Lola Pearl and Oscar Allen Giffin.

Growing up in Goldboro, Violet spent her childhood at her grandfather’s store or with her siblings, Bev, Fred and Mac, playing games like “beat the tire with a stick” and dressing paper dolls—at least until the neighbor’s cat destroyed the precocious cutouts. In the evenings, she loved listening to the radio with her family, whether it was the Maple Leafs, the “Hockey Hot Stove” broadcast or the crime-adventure series “The Shadow Knows”- a precursor to Violet's affinity for prison dramas. As a young girl, Violet anxiously awaited the “Trunk from Montreal” sent by her aunt Tilly and filled with the best silks and fabrics. Her grandmother, Lola Pearl, would use its contents to create the prettiest dresses imaginable for her beautiful granddaughter. Violet loved being mischievous, a trait that stayed with her long after childhood, and her spirit was infectious—even to the most strictly brought-up children in the community. Most notably her influence spread to her best friend, Alma Langly, who was prohibited from leaving the yard until the morning dew had dissipated for fear she might catch a cold. Together, the two girls found all sorts of trouble, from becoming stranded in the middle of Goldboro harbour in a “borrowed” rowboat, to accidently setting loose a family of foxes while playing on the roof of their pen. She also spent many summers in Canso with her mother, beloved Aunt Margorie and all her MacMillan cousins.

In 1946, Violet became a school teacher in Goldboro’s one-room schoolhouse and saved her money to go to nursing school in the big city of Halifax. In 1948, she attended nursing school at the Victoria General and was top of her class. Homesick, she returned to Goldboro—a longing that remained throughout her life.

One day, Violet met a young local boy named Bill Sinclair, and the two fell in love. Bill was head over heels and could not wait for Violet to save enough money to buy a wedding dress. So, wearing a blue dress in the summer of 1950, surrounded by friends, family, and bouquets of freshly cut apple blossoms, Violet said I do to the love of her life. Due to a lens

cap error, no photos exist from that day, except for one. That day, Violet gained a host of new and loving family members including Elizabeth, George, Edith, Marshall, Alvin and of course, Fanny. Together, Bill and Violet had 4-children: Paul Irving, Willaim Scott, Elizabeth Anne and Anna Louise (who sadly died in infancy). Violet adored her children and took every opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments, especially Scott, who, it was no secret, was her favorite! When pressed on this fact Violet would quickly state that Elizabeth was her father’s favorite and Paul was the most handsome of them all!

After raising their children, Violet and Bill hit the open road on their Goldwing Road Rider, towing a pop-up camper. The two travelled throughout North America. Driving offered Bill some respite from Violet's favorite past time—chatting up a storm – but that all changed one Christmas when their son Scott gave them two headsets so they could stay in contact on the road. When not travelling, Violet and Bill were lovingly involved in their little Abercrombie community alongside their cherished neighbors, the Coadys and Haydens. They also served as proud members of the Rebecca Lodge, where Violet held the honorary position of Noble Grand.

In 1983, Violet became a grandmother, beginning with Bradley Jason. She spoke of her new grandchild so often that Bill suggested she put his picture on a picket and march up and down Smith Lane to save her voice. Her other grandchildren included Tyler James, Norman Daniel, Violet Anne, Sharlane Marie, Catherine Anne, Will Carter and Casbian Marat, all of whom she praised at length and with loving enthusiasm!

In June 1994, Violet’s loving husband of 44 years, Bill, passed away. His passing prompted Violet, for the first time in her life, to sit behind the wheel of a car. That’s right: at the young age of 68, Violet became a first-time driver and could be seen throughout Pictou County driving her little gold jeep and delivering her beloved Avon. Blessed with the gift of gab, Violet, was a natural born saleswoman. Previous to her days as The Avon Lady, Violet was a Tupper wear saleswoman and took great pleasure in throwing stylish Tupper wear parties for all the women of her community.

Throughout her 98 years, Violet remained sharp as a tack, earning the nickname “99” from her daughter, and loved regaling everyone she met with stories of her life and family.

When asked if she had any regrets in life, Violet simply said that if she could go back, she would have married Bill sooner.

A visitation will be held for Violet on Sunday August 30th ,2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30pm at Angus H W Funeral Home in New Glasgow, with service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made to the Make a Wish Foundation, a charity close to Violet’s heart and one her and Bill rode for during their time as Goldwing Road Riders.

The family would like to extend a huge heartfelt thank you to all of the staff at Ivey's Terrace for the wonderful care you've provided over the years.