In Memory of Lynda J. Sutherland (1952-2026)
We offer our condolences to the family and colleagues of the Rev. Lynda J. Sutherland, who died on March 7, 2026, at the age of 73.
Lynda was born on August 31, 1952, in Burlington, Vermont. She was the oldest of four sisters born to David Sutherland and Hester Mudgett. When she was seven years old, her family moved to Denver, Colorado. Her early years were influenced by the Congregational faith of her parents. In her teens, she began to develop a Universalist outlook, though she did not have a name for it. She later left college, married, and devoted much of her life to raising her eight children. A large portion of her adult life was influenced by the Latter Day Saints. She sang in the choir and found much wisdom in studying the Bible. Her theological journey continued to form through the confluence of her life tributaries.
After living in Utah for several years, where she spent her time gardening, canning, homeschooling her children, and teaching children’s Sunday School, she returned to Denver in 2004. During this later period of life, she found herself unable to accept any theology that contradicted scientific findings or that devalued or disadvantaged certain groups of people. She felt that her previous religious affiliations no longer offered answers that she could embrace in good conscience. At the same time, she deeply missed the community she had experienced through music. At the encouragement of her UU aunt, she attended a service at a UU congregation in Denver, where she heard a sixty-voice professionally led choir. Drawn by the music, she joined the choir. The spirit of music took her; she felt safe and immediately sensed a belonging. As she continued singing in the choir, she also began attending Sunday services. The support of the UU community gave her the strength to come out to herself and others.
In 2007, she formally joined the First Universalist Church of Denver, Colorado. As she listened to liberal religion explained from the pulpit and experienced it lived by clergy and members alike, she became convinced that it reflected what she yearned for all her life. Shortly after becoming UU, she resumed her education, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies. She graduated in 2010 from Luther College, Decorah, Iowa. Her classes helped her gain a deeper understanding of oppression in its many layers and the impacts of poverty. She became increasingly active in a local UU Fellowship. In November 2011, she attended the Small Congregations Workshop sponsored by Prairie Star District. Through this experience, she recognized ministry as her calling. In 2015, she earned her Master of Divinity from Meadville Lombard Theological School. While at Meadville, she was a founding member of a student group – Allied Whites Aspiring for Racial Equity (AWARE) Steering Committee, which helped white students raise their own awareness and cultural competency in relation to accountability with students of color.
The Rev. Sutherland was ordained to the UU ministry on June 18, 2016. From 2016 to 2022, she served as a settled minister for the First Parish Church UU, Northborough, Massachusetts, touching countless lives with her compassion and wisdom. She was an empathetic listener and could leave anyone in her presence feeling heard and affirmed. Prior to her ordination, she was deeply engaged in lay leadership with the Northeast Iowa UU Fellowship, Decorah, Iowa, where she served as secretary (2010–2012), worship committee chair (2012–2013), vice president/chair (2012–2013), and board member (2012-2013).
In community, Lynda provided her services as a founding member, board treasurer, and recruitment and donations officer for Northeast Iowa Peace and Justice Center. In 2010, she volunteered for Luther’s College Diversity Center, conducting a needs assessment and writing a rationale for creating a Women’s Center, and gathering students, professors, and staff support across disciplines on campus. The Center was approved in 2011 and opened its doors in 2012. After her retirement in 2022, Lynda moved to Brinnon, Washington, where she spent the last five years exploring the natural beauty of the Olympic Peninsula and giving back to her community. She volunteered weekly at the Brinnon Food Bank and supported the creation of a local artist market, always finding ways to uplift others.
She had interests in music and theatre.
Lynda is survived by her children: Andrew, Benjamin, Carolyn, David, Eric, Forrest, Greggory, and Holly; her sisters: Dawn, Holly, and Gail; and eighteen grandchildren.
A private celebration of life with close friends and family members was held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following GoFundMe:https://gofund.me/a1d6a9b17.
Notes of condolence may be sent to:
Lynda Sutherland
c/o David Erickson
1506 Evanston Ct NE
Olympia, WA 98506