Maureen Sutherland

In Loving Memory

Maureen Catherine Sutherland

July 3rd, 1943 – August 24th, 2025

Born on July 3rd, 1943, in Pittsburgh, PA, Maureen was the eldest of four sisters. This role, along with being raised by her mother Rosemary Casselman—a devoted Catholic and nurse—shaped her caring nature and strong maternal instincts from an early age. Her deep love for family was matched by an equally strong patriotic spirit, born from the loss of her father, Michael Deasy, who died serving in World War II when she was just a young child.

As head of her high school's cheerleading squad, she captured the heart of Robert Sutherland, and together they journeyed to South Florida to build their life together. While raising her two children, Michael and Michelle, she simultaneously pursued her calling in nursing, continuing the path God had set her on.

Her four-decade nursing career was distinguished with countless achievements, including the honor of becoming the first nurse to receive Nurse of the Year at Palmetto General Hospital—but also by her commitment to mentoring countless colleagues. She understood that fulfillment came not from accolades, but from witnessing the growth and success of those colleagues she guided. Her hand reached to assist those who needed to recover but also helped those who wanted to better themselves.

To her two children, five grandchildren, and one great grandchild, Maureen embodied wisdom wrapped in unconditional love. She listened without judgment, offering counsel from a place of understanding. She was a voice of reason and solidarity when it seemed there was only uncertainty. She cherished every moment with those she loved. She taught them to find joy and meaning in everything they do, from leisure to work. Whether helping harvest oranges for fresh-squeezed juice in her backyard, supervising grandkid shenanigans, or collaborating with her neighbors each Christmas to construct a festive milk jug luminary runway for Santa, she created a sanctuary where childhood could flourish, and a sense of selflessness and purpose could be born.

Throughout life's inevitable challenges, she found solace and strength in her faith, turning to God for guidance. She served her church and community by continuing her practice of caring for the sick through her work at the hospital as a Eucharistic minister and volunteering her time with the church’s giftshop. Even during her own struggles, her kind eyes and were always present in conversation, and every conversation end was accompanied by an “I love you” that embodied the grace of which she carried with her through her entire life.

Maureen was preceded in death by her father, Michael Deasy, her mother, “Rosemary Casselman and her beloved husband, Robert Sutherland. Maureen is survived by her two children, Michael Sutherland and Michelle Sutherland-Grunberg; her five grandchildren, Ryan Sutherland, Katrina Holland, Matthew Sutherland, Steven Grunberg, Paul Grunberg; her great-granddaughter, Margo-Ryan Sutherland; and her three loving sisters, Nancy Schofield, Chris Miller, Rosemary Howell

In Lieu of Flowers The family requests that memorial donations be made to Smile Train: Cleft Lip and Palate Charity, a cause that was close to Maureen's heart.