Excerpts from My Eulogy (28 February 2026):

[Our] mother was born... to John E. Sutherland and Irene J. (née Hoffman) in the Bronx, NY [and] carried the style of elegance and grace throughout her 82 years... embracing a variety of roles and experiences that reflected her adaptability and vibrant spirit.

[She] graduated from Mother Butler Memorial High School in 1961 and continued her education at Thorpe Secretarial School and Pace University.

Early in her life she worked as a fashion model... [H]er appreciation for glamour wasn't just about vanity; it was an expression of her individuality. [She later worked in] secretarial and customer service roles... her final position as [an] Executive Administrative Assistant.

...the true measure of [our] mom [was] found in her survival [of]... a difficult childhood... a life-altering accident... two strokes... and... COVID-19.

She remained optimistic... mentally sharp... and fully present... to the very end, working through physical therapy with the dream of walking unassisted... [When] homebound in her later years she remained engaged. She enjoyed listening to talk radio... [and] delighted in sharing her thoughts on current events. And when it came to life's simple pleasures, she had her favorites: a roast beef sandwich on rye with Russian dressing, a box of Krispy Kreme® donuts, and an ice-cold Pepsi®...

Her love [for us and our sister] never wavered... She was a keeper of memories – saving newspaper clippings, yearbooks, and every card and letter we ever sent... She [also] had a special love for animals – especially cats.

[Our mom's] faith was the bedrock of her existence. Because of this, one could not be blamed for mistaking her condo as a chapel – filled with the symbols of her devotion... that sustained her faith and prayers that had long guided her life.

Her relationship with God was... intensely personal. [Thus it] was no coincidence God called her home to the place He had prepared for her [based on John 14:2] on Valentine's Day – as if to offer one final, unmistakable reminder that she was and always had been embraced by His divine love.

[W]hen that fateful day came unexpectedly with no advance warning... she passed peacefully. This should serve as a reminder that no day is promised... [Proverbs 27:1] Therefore cherish your loved ones... and tell them often you love them.

When [our mom] passed, it was not the sunset of her life; it was the greatest sunrise of her existence – a new dawn fitting for eternity.

Ultimately when [our mom] left this Earth, she left as the beautiful fashion model she was... with bright red lipstick and vibrant red nails – walking the runway straight to heaven – finally free of the walker and wheelchair – greeted first by her beloved cats, Shadow and Topaz.

Her life was a testament of perseverance, faith, and individuality. [S]he has left behind a legacy of stength, devotion, and enduring love. Yes, she lives and for that as promised by Psalm 30:5 – Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning – her life is to be celebrated.

We love you, Mom. Until we meet again.