Patricia Jean Flynn Sinclair, 84, of Coeur d’Alene, passed away April 14, 2012, from natural causes. Born Feb. 15, 1928, in St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula, Mont. Pat was the fifth child of John and Mary (Helterline) Flynn.

As the youngest in her family and generation, her elder siblings and cousins fondly called her “Patsy.” They grew up together on a ranch west of Missoula where Pat recalled so many fond childhood memories. She attended Sacred Heart Academy in Missoula and earned her home economics degree from Montana State University. She was active in 4H Club from childhood, raising a blue ribbon steer she lovingly named “T-Bone,” and winning an all-expense paid trip to Chicago for her sewing prowess. She later became a County Extension Agent, working in Roosevelt County, Fort Peck Indian Reservation and Lake County, Mont.

During an in-home demonstration in Ronan, she met her husband Sam Sinclair, who was escorting his mother to the event. Sam was a Ranger with the Forest Service. They soon married and started their family after moving to New Mexico. They later moved with the Forest Service to Avery and then to St. Maries in the early 1960s with their four, then young children. They made their home in St. Maries for 15 years and spent much of their time enjoying the beauty and wonders of the St. Joe National Forest and surrounding areas. It was during this time of her life, that Pat became an avid outdoorswoman. She always caught the biggest fish, much to the dismay or her forester husband, and she especially enjoyed her huckleberries, sharing her secret picking spots with only a special few. Pat and Sam moved to Coeur d’Alene in 1978 where they spent the remainder of their lives, Sam passing in 1989.

Pat was a devoted member of the Catholic Church and a Regent of Catholic Daughters of America. She was an ardent Democrat and a generous volunteer, contributing time to Campfire Girls, 4H Club, the Chamber of Commerce and Heritage Place. Pat also enjoyed gardening, camping, cooking, canning and sewing. She was an amazing homemaker, and a wonderful wife and mother. Pat had many passions, but simply spending time with family and friends was her greatest joy and she was blessed with many caring, loving and devoted friends and extended family.

Pat is survived by her beloved children, Mary Sinclair Ernesto and her husband Bob, Samuel Sinclair, Suzie Sinclair, and Katy Sinclair Britzmann and her husband Dan. Pat is also remembered by several dear nieces and nephews; and four grandchildren, Charlie and Becky Ernesto, and Sophie and Sam Britzmann.

Pat is preceded in death by her parents and dear husband Sam. She is also preceded in death by her siblings, Frances Flynn McQuade, Elmer Flynn, John Flynn and Kathleen Flynn McKinnon. Pat’s passing marks an end to her great generation, a truly inspiring and memorable cast of characters.

The family suggests memorial contributions to Coeur d’Alene Homes at www.cdaseniorliving.org. The Sinclairs wish to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the residents and staff of Coeur d’Alene Homes and to Hospice who created a loving and comfortable atmosphere in the ?nal years and days of Pat’s life.

A woman known for her generous spirit, quick wit and famous huckleberry recipes, Pat will be fondly remembered by all who knew her. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2012, at St. Thomas Catholic Church, with refreshments to follow. Friends and family are invited to sign an online guest book created in Pat’s honor at www.englishfuneralchapel.com.