Obituary of Katheryn A Sunderland

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Katheryn A. Sunderland, born on September 25, 1928, passed away peacefully, June 7, 2024 at home surrounded by her family. Katheryn's life was a testament to her devotion to faith, family, friends, four-legged friends, and food.

A proud St. Mary’s girl from Cambridge, Massachusetts, Katheryn cherished the security and safety of her church community. It was in this nurturing environment that she met the love of her life, Bill Sunderland. While Bill was in the Navy stationed in Boston he met Kay.  Their story began in a charmingly unique way: when Bill asked her out, she playfully challenged him to get tickets to a Bruins playoff game. Bill rose to the occasion, securing the tickets, and their next date was spent walking the seven churches in Cambridge on Holy Thursday. This marked the beginning of a beautiful journey together.

In 1962, Katheryn and Bill settled in Burlington, where they lovingly raised their four children: Mark, Billy, Karen, and Amy. Katheryn's home was always filled with warmth, love, and food, as she believed in the power of a good meal to bring people together.  She made wonderful memories and friendships on Beaverbrook Road.   Neighbors would get together for a cup of coffee, sit on their front porch and share the latest news. 

Family traditions were a cornerstone of Katheryn's life. Thanksgiving gatherings were hosted by her sister Rose, while Easter celebrations were always held at Katheryn's home. These traditions continued for over 60+ years.  The day after Thanksgiving, Katheryn would begin decorating the house for Christmas, carefully selecting the perfect tree and placing her nativity set just so, creating a festive and loving atmosphere for all to enjoy. 

She never said no to whatever pets her children wanted to bring home. They always had a dog, and the occasional cat, hamsters, and bunnies.

When the children started school, Katheryn began the cherished tradition of annual trips to Boston for back-to-school clothes, making sure each child was prepared and excited for the year ahead. These trips became a beloved family ritual, filled with laughter, rides on the train and subway.

Sebago Lake was a favorite family destination, they rented for years before buying a cottage 22 years ago.  Days were spent basking in the sun and water, barbecuing, and enjoying the simple pleasures of life. Evenings were filled with friendly competitions of whisk, rummy, cribbage and board games, creating lasting memories and strengthening family bonds.

Katheryn worked for Houghton Mifflin, RCA and retired from Raytheon.  After her retirement, Kay continued to celebrate with the “Rayettes” joining them for their annual holiday party well into her 90’s.  

After Bill and Katheryn retired, they embraced their love of travel, journeying annually to Pompano Beach, Florida, and California. A trip to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day with their daughters will always be a highlight. Other trips included a family reunion to  Nova Scotia and a trip with her grandchildren touring England, Scotland, and Wales.

Katheryn was a voracious reader,  sharing the latest mystery books or series with her daughter, Amy. This shared passion for reading created a special bond between them, filled with lively discussions and mutual appreciation for a good story.

Katheryn’s greatest joy was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dogs. She was happiest when her children, grandchildren, or dogs were sitting next to her or on her lap, bringing her immense joy and comfort.

Katheryn’s legacy is one of unwavering faith, love, and community. She leaves behind a family who will continue to cherish her memory and live by the values she held dear. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Kay was a loving wife to her husband William Sunderland. She was the caring and supportive mother of Mark Sunderland a his wife Joan of Sebago, Maine, William Sunderland, Jr. and his wife Norma of Woburn, Karen Sunderland of Burlington, and Amy Sunderland and her longtime partner Kevin Flaherty of Billerica. She was the proud grandmother of Ryan Sunderland and his wife Robin of Billerica and Nicole Sunderland and her partner Casey Dwyer of Woburn.    She was the great grandmother of Oliver and Quentin Sunderland. Kay was predeceased by her siblings and their spouses, Rose Bogrette and her husband Gene, Ann Monahan and  her husband Howard, Joseph Gillis and his wife Victoria. She was the sister-in-law of Ann Lehman of Summerville, South Carolina, and Elizabeth Delvalle and her late husband Raymond. Kay was also survived by many loving nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and her four-legged friends, Brady, Daisy and Reggie.

Visiting hours will be held at the Edward V. Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn Street, Burlington on Wednesday, June 12 from 4-7 p.m. Funeral from the Sullivan Funeral Home on Thursday, June 13 at 9 a.m.  Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Margaret Church in St. Veronica Parish, www.stveronicama.org, 111 Winn Street, Burlington at 10 a.m.  Services will conclude with a burial at Pine Haven Cemetery in Burlington.  Memorials in Kay’s name may be made to the Special Olympics Massachusetts, www.specialolympicsma.org, 512 Forest St., Marlborough, MA 01752.  For online guestbook and video tribute see www.sullivanfuneralhome.net