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KAREN ELAINE SUTHERLAND
Born: Nov 27, 1960
Date of Passing: Jun 01, 2016
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryKAREN ELAINE SUTHERLAND Whenever you think things are getting too tough to handle, consider these words which were an inspiration to Karen: "If you're going through Hell, keep going" (Winston Churchill). Since being diagnosed with cancer, Karen rose to the challenge with courage, grit and grace. She passed serenely and gently, surrounded by her loved ones, on June 1, 2016. Karen's greatest pride and joy was her family, as was she to them. She will forever be held in the hearts of those she loved so dearly. She is survived by her three daughters Alanna (Adrian Schulz), Elizabeth and Evelyn Junaid - who she raised with their father Asad Junaid; her parents Eva and (John) Ian Sutherland; her three brothers Scott (Lindsay), Mike (Donna) and Eric (Donna) Sutherland and their families, and a plethora of friends. She was predeceased by her grandparents, George William and Annie Ethelwynne Sutherland, and Conrad Peder Alfrednicolaison and Alette Paula Freko. Karen was born on November 27, 1960 and was a lucky girl growing up in a family of three brothers. Not having a sister was not a problem for Karen, she merely took her youngest brother Eric and dolled him up. Eric fondly recalls playing with Karen in his favourite green dress. Karen entered school with much enthusiasm and quickly adjusted to a long and accomplished academic journey. Her parents collected many samples of her early attempts at spelling. Fortunately, the proper translation was always written on the back page. Karen's interpretation of "the mouse was too small to nibble the rope" became: "the muose wusted to smool to niddled the robe". Nevertheless, her parents were proud of these achievements and her challenges with spelling never held her back from chasing her dream and becoming a doctor. Although quiet by nature, Karen was a true adventurist and always made time to enjoy the beauty of nature. On one particular canoe trip with Scott, Lindsay and Eric, after noticing her feet were covered in baby leeches, Karen saw the necessity to jump up onto the canoe seat and strip down in an attempt to de-leech while in the middle of the lake. Unfortunately, no pictures exist to commemorate the moment of the nearly capsized canoe with a dancing Karen on the seat - she sure enjoyed the outdoors! That accomplishment in balance may have been the incentive she needed to pursue the art of ballet which was her passion for much of her teen and early adult years. She shared the love of varied dance forms with her daughters. One only had to look at her posture and grace to imagine her in a performance. After graduating medical school Karen became a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist working both at Health Sciences Centre and MATC. In 1995 Karen settled full time at MATC and became Medical Director in 2000. She proved to be a thoughtful, caring and intelligent leader to a group of psychiatrists and staff who she valued both for their friendships as well as professional accomplishments and dedication. She never lost sight of her clients as priorities and modeled that for the organization. Her love for her career was never overshadowed by her love for family. She was always there to host the famous "Sunday Night Dinners" and wow everyone with her restaurant quality meals - she was a great cook! Karen loved to travel, enjoyed fine cuisine, haute couture-shoes were her thing, and had unique and varied tastes in art, music, and literature. Everyone who knew and loved Karen couldn't help but be deeply touched by her gentleness, thoughtfulness, and beautifully kind spirit. She was a most loving mother to her daughters and son-in-law, a respected physician, leader and friend to her colleagues, a caring and accomplished doctor to her patients, but most of all a beautiful woman who will be greatly missed. Karen left this earth in the arms of her family and now walks in the warmth of the sun, smiling down at those she loves. She will forever be in our hearts. Her family would like to thank her dearest friend, Lesli Shafer who never left her side and was a constant source of comfort and support, along with countless family and friends. The family would also like to acknowledge the wonderful care she received from Dr. Alon Altman and Dr. Tim Hiebert and the incredible staff at Riverview Palliative Care unit. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 7 at 11:00 a.m. at Westminster United Church (Maryland and Westminster). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Karen's memory to the Steven Lewis Foundation (1-888-203-9990).
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 04, 2016
Condolences & Memories (12 entries)
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I learned of Dr. Sutherland’s passing through a series of coincidences and was devastated at the news. She was my psychiatrist at MATC during one of the hardest times of my life, but also a completely transformative one. Echoing another comment here: she saved my life. She was always such a calm, quietly confident and kind person who made me feel safe. I remember noticing her pregnant belly at one point and said, “um, can I ask you something?” She smiled and said yes. We talked very briefly about her pregnancy (she was an expert at keeping things professional) and she asked what I thought about her being pregnant. I said, “Your baby is really lucky.” My deepest condolences to her family and friends. She was a wonderful person for whom I feel endless gratitude. She will forever hold in a special place in my heart. - Posted by: Anonymous (Former patient) on: Nov 01, 2019
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I was a single parent with a young child who could not seem to meet age expectations and had anger issues. She assessed him, and diagnosed him m with ADHD. She tried Ritalin, and a few other meds; and this significantly helped both myself and my Son. My Son is now a teenager. He's learnt to play amazing piano; (by ear), has graduated high school. He's also a self taught 'techie', and he's a warm and wonderful Son. He's established an excel spreadsheet of his daily chores, alarms to eat, take medication, study, shower, etc. If it weren't for Dr. Karen Sutherland, I'm not sure what would have happened... she was a very good psychiatrist!! 😓 - Posted by: Charlene (My child's Psychiatrist, MATC) on: Mar 30, 2018
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On behalf of my family and our staff, we would like to send our condolences to Karen's family. Karen had become a good friend over the past few years and I always enjoyed the opportunity to speak with her whenever possible. She had such a warm way about her and our times together included a few good laughs and a few heart warming stories. Our thoughts are with her daughters and we wish them comfort and peace in this time of sorrow. Karen will be missed, however for what she brought to us all, never forgotten. - Posted by: Dieter Scheffer (Friend) on: Jun 15, 2016
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Karen was a kind and generous neighbour and we loved seeing her at the annual dock pulling windup party. Although we have recently moved away, Karen has been in our thoughts from afar. Sincere condolences to her beautiful daughters and her family. - Posted by: Theresa & Elliott Hunter (Neighbour) on: Jun 12, 2016
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I had the honour of working under Karen's direction for many years at MATC. During that time I came to know the true beauty of Karen both inside and out. She deeply cared about all her clients as well as each and every staff member. She was a continuous source of support, wisdom and understanding with such a gentle, loving nature. I truly loved working under her tutelage as her calm nature was contagious. Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and she will be sadly missed by all who knew her. There is solace in knowing Karen's suffering is over and she is now an angel at peace in the arms of the Lord. My sincere condolences to all her family members and close friends who 's lives Karen so deeply touched. Rest in peace Karen... You gave so much to others it's now time for you to live forever in paradise. Xoxo - Posted by: Dianne Watson (Coworker and friend) on: Jun 06, 2016
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No one can prepare you for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, take comfort in knowing that she is now resting in the arms of our Lord. May the love of family and friends comfort you during these difficult days. On behalf of Imperial Staff, our deepest condolences to you, most especially to Alanna and family. - Posted by: Norma Villamayor () on: Jun 06, 2016
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May God put your soul in heaven and may God give strength to your family. - Posted by: Netsanet Tessema () on: Jun 06, 2016
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Our sincere condolences to Alanna, Adrian and the entire family. Karen was an incredibly brave and gracious woman and we know she will be missed terribly by all of you. We hope the many wonderful memories you have of her will carry you through the coming days. With love, Trudy & Dan - Posted by: Trudy Turner and Dan Johnas (Friends) on: Jun 05, 2016
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Karen was one of my best friends in high school. She was kind, tough, and unbelievably smart. She was beautiful, and yet she knew her happiness and success would not be about being passively pretty, but instead would be rooted in loving others and working to make a difference in people's lives. She was a devoted mother and a caring, brilliant doctor. I will always cherish the love and strength she gave me. - Posted by: Fernanda Ferreira (friend) on: Jun 05, 2016
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A truly wonderful woman whom I credit with saving my life. Her legacy will remain strong for generations to come. Much love. - Posted by: David S. (Friend) on: Jun 05, 2016
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Our sincerest sympathies to all of the family, especially Alanna, who continues in the excellence of caring for others. We know Karen will be sadly missed by all who were lucky enough to know her. Our thoughts and love are with the family. - Posted by: Shona Kusyk and Daniel Enns () on: Jun 04, 2016
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We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Allana, Adrian and family. May you find confort and peace amongst the beautiful memories you have made with your mother that you can hold on to forever. Sincerely, Felicia &Steve - Posted by: Felicia & Steve Kehler () on: Jun 04, 2016