Obituary of Joan Sutherland

SUTHERLAND, D. Joan River John Dorothy “Joan” (Caudle) Sutherland of River John NS, passed away May 1st, 2024 at the Aberdeen Hospital surrounded in her final days by family. She was the daughter of the late Percy and Isabel (Read) Caudle of Truro, NS. Born and brought up in Truro, she attended Alice Street School and Colchester Academy. She graduated from the Victoria General Hospital School of Nursing in 1953, then worked in the Neurosurgery operating and recovery rooms at the VG. She married our father, Rev. Donald R. Sutherland in 1957 and they moved to Oakhill NB, the 8- point, St. James Pastoral charge. They enjoyed their 3 years there, and 2 years ago we travelled back to see their former home and churches, reminiscing of their early years together in that area. In 1960 they made the move to Cape Breton and the Whycocomagh – East Lake Ainslie Pastoral charge. They lived in Whycocomagh for 37 years until retirement in 1997. Whycocomagh and area was a wonderful place to live and bring up a family, lifelong friendships were made. It was difficult to say goodbye to the community and friends when retirement came. They moved back to Donald’s childhood home in River John, where they enjoyed a busy church and community life. Faith was an important aspect of Mum’s life, whether it be scripture, or music and singing in the church choir. She was a member of both the Inverness County Singers and the River John and Area Community Choir. Joan was well-read on a variety of subjects and was always up to date on local and worldwide news. She was a weaver, knitter, seamstress and avid gardener. She found real joy in her gardening, especially in growing roses and other flowers. She looked forward to the annual Truro and Pictou Exhibitions, exhibiting her handiwork each year. She was also a member of the Canadian Association of Clan Sutherland and the Clan Sutherland Society of Scotland. She was a lifetime member of the United Church Women (UCW) and an Honourary member of the St. Andrews Society of Pictou County. She and Dad enjoyed their times of travel with Fred and Pat making many more friends during travel. She learned to weave at the South Haven Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, South Haven, CB, then helped start the Lake Ainslie Weavers and Craft Guild in Scotsville CB, assisting others in learning to weave. She was presented with the Democracy Award in 2008 and was awarded the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II Medal in 2012. She leaves behind three children, Mary Beth (David) Sutherland of River John; Robert (Kim) Sutherland of Truro; and James (Faith) Sutherland of Whycocomagh; grandchildren, Margaret (Sam) Cripps, Sandy, Emily, Bethany and Adam Sutherland; great-grandchildren, William, George, Isabel and Charlotte Cripps; sister-in-law, Pat Caudle of Truro; and her children Glenn (Mary) and Cathy Walter of Saskatchewan. She was predeceased by her husband, Rev. Donald R. Sutherland; brother, Fred Caudle of Truro; and niece, Gayle Caudle Turnbull. Visitation will be held Monday May 6th from 6 – 8 pm at Salem United Church, River John. Funeral, Tuesday May 7th at 2pm at Salem Church with Rev. Connie McNamara officiating. Following the burial, there will be a time of fellowship and conversation with the family at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 108, River John. If you so wish, donations may be given to Salem United Church River John, Stewart United Church Whycocomagh, Pictou County VON, Aberdeen Hospital Palliative Care Unit or a charity of your choice.