Ellen Nofer Sinclair
Ellen Nofer Sinclair died unexpectedly March 13, 2023. She was born in 1964 in Abington, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Abington High School in 1982 and Susquehanna University in 1986. Later, she received a master’s in education.
She started her professional life as a paralegal, then taught elementary school for many years. After her move to Delaware, she worked for Beebe Healthcare Family Practice and, most recently, Cape Henlopen School District, Sussex Consortium.
Ellen was a remarkably fun-loving person who was passionate about singing, the beach, dogs, and her Christian faith. A special joy in her life was her participation in the CAMP Rehoboth Chorus and in their smaller, select ensemble. Ellen loved people, drew them in with her smile, and soon became their lifelong friend. Ellen believed fervently in and supported many causes, including Rehoboth Art League, Wounded Veterans, and the Humane Society.
Ellen’s devotion to her family was central to her life, including to her parents; her son, Liam; her husband, Leo; and her best friend, Wendi Schirvar, who was like a sister to her. She is survived by many friends and family who loved her dearly.
In lieu of flowers, send donations in honor of Ellen Sinclair to CAMP Rehoboth Chorus, camprehoboth.com/camp-center/programs/camp-rehoboth-chorus. ▼
Thomas Harrison Holmes
Thomas Harrison Holmes died March 5, 2023, after a long battle with lymphoma. Thomas was born February 2, 1950, in Manassas, Virginia, and graduated from Manassas’s Osbourn High School in 1968.
He served in the US Navy for 10 years, becoming one of the first Navy Intelligence Specialists. He then joined the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, DC, overseeing the security of the US submarines until his retirement in 2006.
Thomas met his husband, Mario Rocha, in 1998 and 13 years later they were finally allowed to be married in Washington, DC. They built their first retirement home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware and then moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida for four years of condo retirement living.
Thomas loved entertaining, cooking up meals to share with others, and traveling. He readily offered a helping hand, such as volunteering with the Whitman Walker Clinic in its fight against AIDS and completing the Marine Corps Marathon to help raise funds. He also served as a DC Capital Pride volunteer and Chairperson.
Thomas is survived by his husband, Mario Rocha; sisters, Delores Brown (Kenneth) and Barbara Lepre; “Little Brother” Robert Caruano (Peter Sacoulas); Alan Pyles (Kaye); granddaughter, Jennifer Wright; great-grandson, Hunter; and many close relatives and friends. Services were held March 15 in Washington, DC. ▼
Melvin Nathaniel Claiborne Jr.
Melvin “Skip” Nathaniel Claiborne Jr. died January 29, 2023, after a battle with a failing heart. Skip was born March 19, 1966, to Melvin and Mildred Claiborne in Essex, Maryland; he is survived by his mother, two brothers, nieces and nephews, his roommate, Yadi, and a huge community of friends in Delaware. He was preceded in death by his father.
Skip graduated from Essex High school in 1984 and worked for Eastern Airlines as a flight attendant for 19 years. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, he hung up his wings and joined the Peace Corps. There, Skip taught English to children in Mexico and later moved to Nicaragua, where he farmed and taught agriculture. He loved his time in Nicaragua, but he decided to return home and help those less fortunate in the United States. In the early 2000s, he ran a business that sold habits to nuns and monks.
Skip later sold his business and turned his talents to a new craft, quilting. There, he found a calling and a new nickname, “Quilty Guy.” His quilts were as unique as he was, and he won national recognition for his work.
Quilting became another way for Skip to give back. Many of his quilts were donated to churches and charity fundraisers. Skip made quilts and donated them to support the Millsboro Police Department Victim Services Unit.
Skip had that rare talent of making each of his friends feel as though they were his best and oldest friends. We know he is on the outskirts of heaven in a huge music-filled quilting studio with glitter, bling, thread, and fabric everywhere, just waiting for us to join him.
A celebration of life was held March 19, at Millsboro Fire Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Skip Claiborne Jr. Memorial Fund of the Millsboro Police Department Victim Services Unit. Mail checks to Millsboro Town Center, 322 Wilson Highway, Millsboro, Delaware 19966. Checks should be made out to Town of Millsboro with Victim Services Unit written in the memo line. ▼
Barbara Lynn Lewis
Barbara Lynn “Summer” Lewis of Lewes died March 16, 2023. She was born May 26, 1950, in Big Rapids, Michigan; after graduating high school, Summer’s carefree spirit led her to fun adventures in Michigan, California, Alaska, and Florida before she started her career at Virginia Power. Subsequently, she became an accomplished business owner, real estate investor, realtor, and school bus driver before finally settling down in Lewes with her wife, Peggy.
Summer’s passion for life, her love of animals, and her love of family and friends are a testament to a life well lived. Summer could always be counted on to bring laughter and levity to any situation. She enjoyed traveling, and she lived in many different places throughout the United States.
Summer is survived by her wife of 32 years, Peggy Connor of Lewes; their daughter, Jillian Hinskton (Jeremy) of Lewes; her siblings, Judy DeNoyer, Dave (Pat) Lewis, and Darlene “Tilly” Ellis; and countless extended family members and friends.
Services will be private. Although no memorials are necessary, consider donating to First State Animal Center, 32 Shelter Circle, Camden, Delaware 19934; or SPCA, fsac-spca.org/in-memory. ▼
Walter Jeffrey Bassett
Walter Jeffrey “Jeff” Bassett died March 11, 2023, at his home in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
He is survived by his mother, Louise “Buttons” Bassett, his brother, David Thomas Bassett, his sister-in-law, Kathy, and many extended family.
Jeff was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, class of 1979. He loved to make others laugh, was kind and friendly to all, was an avid reader, and collected lots of books and symbols of Native American history. He had worked for many restaurants, the latest being Shrimpy’s Bar and Grill in Rehoboth Beach.
A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pam and Macky Stansell House. PO Box 1733, Salisbury, Maryland, 21802. ▼