Mary F. Sutherland

Mary F. Sutherland, 91, of Almena passed away Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at her home. She was born November 18, 1932 in Scotts, Michigan, the first child of Lee Phillip Schau and Gertrude Carrie Brooks. She attended the 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 while waiting for her future husband to finish his tour in Korea with the U.S. Army. They married July 2, 1954 and moved to Camp Carson, Colorado until Clarence’s discharge. They came back 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 may gather for visitation from 5-8 PM Wednesday, May 8, 2024 at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Ave., Paw Paw, MI 49079. Cremation will follow the visitation and a memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, May 11, 2024 at Almena United Methodist Church, 27503 CR 375, Paw Paw. She will laid to rest at Almena Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be directed to Almena United Methodist Church.