Mary K. Sutherland

1930 - 2025

Janesville, WI - Mary K. Sutherland lived 95 years filled with the abundant love and respect of family, friends, and neighbors. Mary Catherine Karsten was born at home in Horicon, Wisconsin on July 7, 1930 to Dr. John and Catherine (Clausen) Karsten. The daughter of a country doctor, Mary cherished happy memories of her childhood in a small town. The geese flying overhead to the Horicon Marsh every Fall were a reminder of the wonder of nature, and summers at Green Lake brought together multiple family generations for fun and relaxation, to eventually include her own children.

Mary was a loyal high school graduate of Kemper Hall, an Episcopal boarding school for young women in Kenosha, where her class attended chapel regularly, studied grammar daily, played field hockey enthusiastically, and chose "Steadfast" as their motto. After initially attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Mary transferred to Hope College in Holland, Michigan, the alma mater of her Dutch family members. There she majored in Biology and German and enjoyed the dances held off campus (as no dancing was allowed on campus).

Adventure came her way after college graduation when she became a teacher of elementary school children in the tiny town of Yakutat, Alaska (at that time, still the Territory of Alaska). Mary's years in Yakutat became a wonderful chapter in her life during which she was adopted as a Raven tribal member by the Native American Tlingit people.

Her teaching career continued in Seattle, Washington, followed by a return to Wisconsin where she moved into a shared apartment at Kennedy Manor on Langdon Street in Madison. Her apartment mates arranged a blind date with William Sutherland, an attorney from Janesville. After just five dates and a brief engagement, Bill and Mary wed at St. Malachy Church in Horicon on December 28, 1959.

Life together in their yellow house at 220 East Van Buren included six children, assorted animals, oversize Christmas trees, countless "Mom made" lunch sandwiches, last-minute Halloween costumes, and endless stacks of laundry. Supper began with a prayer, and there was always room for another chair at the table. All were welcome.

The sudden death of William Sutherland in October, 1980, left Mary with the sole responsibility for her six children and mother-in-law. Fortunately, the family bonds grew stronger over time through both challenges and successes, with the sharing of much love and laughter.

Mary's later years had many highlights to include helping with reading skills and homework at Goshen House (a transitional home for boys and girls) and at Wilson School. An energetic volunteer at the St. Mary's Hospital Gift Shop, Mary may have bought more goods than she sold. She enjoyed her Friday morning breakfast group, her painting class, and book club. For anyone who needed a listening ear and heart, Mary was ready at her table with coffee, crullers, and, of course, advice to share. She excelled as a grandmother to her nineteen grandchildren and four great granddaughters.

The enduring legacy of both Bill and Mary Sutherland includes: Catherine (Steven) Stebbins, Frank (Susan) Sutherland, Ann Sutherland Bennett, Susanna (Michael) Filley, Emily (Charles) Butler, and William (Janie) Sutherland. Grandchildren: Andrew, Peter, and Maria Stebbins; Sarah (Tyrone) Sutherland Johnson, Paul, Samuel, and Abigail Sutherland; Matthew (Amber), Grace, Josephine, and Clara Bennett; Vesper, Robert, and Carolyn Filley; Sophia, Chelsea, and Jacob Butler; Hayes and James Sutherland. Great grandchildren: True, Rainbow, Jalana, and Sasha Johnson.

Mary's sister, Johanna Fabke, and her brother, Frederik Karsten, predeceased her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 17, 2025, at Nativity of Mary Catholic Church, 313 E. Wall St., Janesville, WI 53545, with a visitation beginning at 9:00 AM. The family will be hosting a reception following Mass at Rotary Botanical Gardens. A private family burial will be held at Fulton Cemetery on Saturday, October 18, 2025. Memorial Contributions preferred to Children's Museum of Rock County under construction in downtown Janesville, opening 2026: kidsatplayrc.com or Friends of Horicon Marsh: horiconmarsh.org. SCHNEIDER FUNERAL DIRECTORS is assisting the family. For online condolences and guestbook, please visit: www.schneiderfuneraldirectors.com