Ethel A. Hindley

HINDLEY, Ethel Agnes (nee Sinclair) – April 6, 1922 Feb. 1, 2016 –
With great sadness the family of Ethel Hindley announces the peaceful passing of their dear mother in her 94th year at The Elliott in Guelph.
Predeceased in 2012 by her loving husband, George, they had remained cherished sweethearts for over 62 years. Loving and devoted mother to Bob (Fay Milk) and Anne (Ken Norwick) of Calgary and Carol (Barb Hathorn) of Schomberg. Blessed grandmother to Capt. Brian Norwick, RCAF, Megan Norwick, and Russell Milk both of Vancouver. Fondly remembered by her youngest brother, Sam Sinclair, of Guelph and London, and by scores of nieces and nephews throughout our extended families. Predeceased by her parents Arthur Clarkson Sinclair and Laura Lillian Sinclair (Gunby) of Waterdown and Nelson Township, and siblings Margaret Hunter, Clark Sinclair, Olive Wood, Jessie Clarkson, Loreen Morrow, Verna Eaton, and Mary Hipple.
Born in Waterdown, and later raised on the family farm which backed onto the Niagara Escarpment, Ethel moved with the family to Guelph after completing high school. Having worked two years as a housekeeper, Ethel’s long-held dream of attending nursing school was sadly cut short by illness. Upon recovery, she pursued business courses and worked as a bookkeeper before marrying George in 1950. They met through his sister Jean as members of Chalmers United Church Young People’s Club. While raising her family in a highly organized household, Ethel also shared in caring for her aging mother for five years and maintained a close relationship with her mother-in-law. Ethel took a cue from the times, the mid-1970’s, and surprised us all when she completed the real estate course and became a much-sought-after and trusted agent. She took great delight in helping young couples find homes in the Guelph area.
Ethel’s social network and community involvements spanned a core of dear friends from the Y23 Club, teachers wives clubs, and the Chalmer s Church Couples Club, the UCW, and CGIT as a co-leader. She was a generous and caring neighbour while living on Winston Crescent. An avid reader in her senior years, Ethel’s many interests included the natural world, gardening, playing bridge, sewing, graciously entertaining friends and family, and travelling extensively with George. Later, her skills as a water-colour artist would lead her to found the Watercolour Painters Club at The Evergreen Seniors Centre in Guelph. This led to exhibits of her work and one commission.
With her youthful spirit, grace, and witty sense of humour, Ethel will be sorely missed by all whose lives she touched.
Along with Ethel, the family thought the world of the Elliott Community staff, who provided loving family-style care for so many years. Our gratitude is also extended to Friends of the Family whose regular visits lifted Mom’s spirits as she neared the end of life.
Family and friends will be received at the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 206 Norfolk St., Guelph on Monday, February 15, 2016 (Family Day) for visitation from 10:30 to 11:30 am. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:30 am. Reception to follow in the Wall-Custance Family Reception Centre. Interment Johnson Cemetery, Eramosa Township. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the charity of your choice.