Marylou Sutherland

10/31/25

Marylou Sutherland, 91, left us high and dry on Friday, October 31, with her family by her side. No doubt, she arrived in heaven at full speed, smiling and exclaiming, “Woo hooo! What a ride!!!”

Born Mary Lucille Caruso in Hartford, CT in 1934, she moved with her family to NJ as a young girl. There, she graduated from Rockaway High School, and All Souls College of Nursing in 1955.

She married Robert W. Sutherland in 1958, and went on to have 3 children who miraculously survived (and thrived) into adulthood. Our mother was a benevolent dictator! It was her way or the highway, uphill both ways—preferably in the snow! When we fought, we were told to “deal with it,” intervening only when there was bloodshed. No matter what, we knew we were loved unconditionally.

Mom was a great sport, game for almost anything: camping, scout outings, neighborhood sports events, music recitals, even cleaning our first apartments in college. (The poor woman never uttered a single “EWWWW,” and trust me, those apartments were GROSS!)

Food was an important part of our lives. There were barbecues with family and friends; holiday dinners (her gravy was second to none); and Christmas cookies. Oh, those cookies! She made even more varieties of Norwegian cookies than our Norwegian Nana.

Mom will be remembered with love always, for her laugh and ready smile. Her love for people shone through all that she did. And we will miss her.

Marylou was predeceased by her parents, Rocco and Marie (Schuler) Caruso; her husband, Robert Sutherland; and a son, Robert Sutherland, Jr.

She leaves behind her legacy of caring and laughter in her daughter, Sharon Tanner (Tom); son, Glenn Sutherland (Shelly); her adored grandchildren, Justin Sutherland; Kevin Tanner (Marisa); David Tanner (Taylor); and Suzie Tanner (Jim). The newest joys of her life were her great grandchildren, twins Weston Thomas and Charlotte Ann Tanner; and Nora Grace Kenyon.

Also surviving are her brother, Donald Caruso (Barbara); her sister, Veronica Cambra; and several nieces and nephews.

Services and a celebration of a life well-lived will be held at a later day, in the Spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.