Mary F. Sutherland, 91, of Almena, passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at her home. She was born Nov. 18, 1932, in Scotts, Michigan, the first child of Lee Phillip Schau and Gertrude Carrie Brooks.
She attended McCain’s Corners Primary School and graduated from Climax-Scotts High School in 1951. It was there that she met her future husband, Clarence Sutherland. They were to celebrate 70 years of marriage in July 2024. Mary was employed by Upjohn Co., while waiting for her future husband to finish his tour in Korea with the United States Army. They married July 2, 1954, and moved to Camp Carson, Colorado, until Clarence’s discharge. They returned to Michigan to await the birth of their first child.
They settled in Comstock, later moving to the Paw Paw area. They had five children, who all survive. Mary was an expert household engineer. Known for her cooking and baking, sewing, knitting, and crocheting. She made her daughters, and later her granddaughters, beautiful, handmade dresses. She also maintained a large vegetable garden with many quarts canned or put in the freezer. She was a very hard worker. She also enjoyed researching family histories and was an avid reader. She belonged to the Almena United Methodist Church where she was active with the Mary & Martha group and teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She enjoyed traveling and always kept a journal of those travels. She is remembered for her German temperament and sharp retorts.
Mary was the last of her siblings to survive, being preceded in death by three sisters and three brothers, Marlene Little, Marcia Hughson, Marjorie Nash, Marvin, Marshall, and Martin Schau; and an infant brother, Phillip. She was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Jason Sutherland, and Alex Crook.
Mary is survived by her husband, Clarence; five children, Jill (Harry) Loy, Scott Sutherland, Gail D. Davis, Lisa (Steve) Szeles and Dan Sutherland; 11 grandchildren, Liza Davis, Meagan (Ryan) Koziatek, Mallory (Matt) Bye, Ivy (Ryan) Whitney, Laura (Chad) Miller, Zachary Irelan, Patrick S-Always, Haylee Sutherland, Tyler Crook, Ally and Elizabeth Szeles; seven great grandchildren, Julia and Michael Whitney, Danica Devereau, Adeline and Pearl Koziatek, Benjamin Bye and Peyton Miller; sister-in-law, Dee Schau; and many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends gathered for visitation Wednesday, May 8, at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw. . Cremation followed the visitation, and a memorial service will be held Saturday, May 11, at Almena United Methodist Church, 27503 County Road 375, Paw Paw. She will be laid to rest at Almena Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be directed to Almena United Methodist Church.
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