Marilyn Sutherland

1925 - 2010

Marilyn Sutherland, 85, of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, passed away quietly September 15, 2010 with her husband at her side. She was born in St. Paul, MN on August 4, 1925 and as a young child moved to Tucson, where she later graduated from the University of Arizona in 1946. In 1947, Marilyn moved to Seattle, where she met and married Louis Sutherland in 1949. She worked as a social worker at Harborview Hospital in Seattle until the early 1950s before becoming a full-time mom. Later, she worked with developmentally and physically handicapped children, first in Seattle and then in Huntsville, AL, where the family moved in 1964. After moving to Los Angeles in 1970, Marilyn completed a long record from 1972 to 1987 as a caring and loving teacher at the Harbor Foundation School for Handicapped Children in San Pedro. She was very active at the Pacific Unitarian Church including serving as the president of the board of trustees. She also volunteered for 19 years at Torrance Memorial Hospital. Marilyn was an avid reader, enjoying needlework, crossword puzzles and bonsai gardening. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Louis Sutherland of Rancho Palos Verdes; three children, Paul Sutherland and his wife, Cathy of Torrance, CA, Nancy Sutherland of Seattle, WA, Alan Sutherland and his wife, Clara of Dallas, TX; brother, Donald McLean and his wife, Maxine in Tucson, AZ; three grandchildren, Melissa Mistrot of Homewood, AL, Micheil Sutherland and Jessica Sutherland of Torrance, CA; and three great-grandchildren, William, Peter and Sarah Mistrot. Marilyn was preceded in death by her parents, Grace and Loyle McLean. A memorial service will be held on October 9, 2010 at 12:30 p.m. at the Pacific Unitarian Church, 5621 Montemalaga Dr., Rancho Palos Verdes, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Habitat for Humanity International, 121 Habitat St, Americus, GA 31709-3498, or to a charity of your choice. Please sign the guestbook at www.dailybreeze.com/obits. Please go to the mortuary's website, www.LAfuneral.com to send messages to the family, share memories, or to obtain directions to the service.