Joan Erica Sutherland

July 17, 2021

LA MESA, CA — Joan Sutherland,

98, passed away from complications of surgery on July 17, 2021, surrounded by her family.

She was born and raised in New Zealand. She met George Sutherland, the man of her dreams, in Auckland. She married her US Navy sailor and soon after she left her family and friends to begin a new life in America, arriving by ship in San Francisco in 1945. She and George were stationed in California, Hawaii and the Philippines during his 20 years of service, settling in La Mesa for the last 60 years.

Joan was employed by Union Ice Company for over 20 years, upon their retirement, she and George travelled the US in their motorhome.

Joan was witty, articulate, beautiful, and wise, as well as a voracious reader. Her pride was her family, and her garden which she cultivated with love. She was a very loving, giving person, a devoted wife, the greatest mom, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She always gave freely and generously, never wanting to bother anyone, expecting nothing in return. She was an outstanding role model to us all and we will miss her immensely.

She was predeceased by George, her husband of 62 years; her New Zealand parents, two brothers and a sister. Surviving are her son, Michael (Linda), grandsons, Doug and Dennis (Jen), and greatgrandchildren, Grace, Owen and Skyler.

Joan’s ashes will be interred with George’s for eternity at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery.

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