Chapman, Maine - Patricia Anne Sutherland always appreciated a life well-lived - and an interesting obituary. She gave us both. She died peacefully after a short illness on May 6, 2025, in Presque Isle, Maine. She was 82.

Born Patricia Anne Beaulieu on July 21, 1942, Pat grew up on her family's farm in Chapman, where she learned the values of hard work, diplomacy, and how to host a perfect potluck. She later returned to Chapman to build a home and a life with her husband, Robert "Bobby" Sutherland, who predeceased her in 2000. Together, they raised three children who inherited her determination, her moral compass, and, thankfully, her sense of humor.

Pat was the kind of woman who got things done - and made it look easy. A teacher, college administrator, and proud public servant, she spent her career championing education and community growth across Aroostook County. She retired in 2004 from Northern Maine Community College, where she helped the institution thrive and made more than a few lifelong friends along the way. She also served two terms in the Maine Legislature, proving that even in politics, kindness, logic, and a well-timed eyebrow raise can still move mountains. Beyond the titles, awards, and committees (and yes, there were many), Pat was an extraordinary volunteer, a passionate gardener, a voracious reader, and a legendary cook. If you were lucky enough to sit at her table, you left full of both food and conversation. She believed deeply in making The County a better place to live, work, and play, and she did exactly that for more than 60 years. The Town of Chapman recently honored her for more than 50 years of civic service - and deservedly so.

She is survived by her children, Elizabeth Sutherland and son-in-law, Bradley Buck (Ric Tyler), Andrew Sutherland and daughter-in-law, Barbara. She was predeceased by her son, Ian Sutherland, in 1995. She also leaves behind two grandsons she adored, Ian and Colin (Coco) Buck; her brothers, Charles and wife, Mildred Beaulieu, and Roger and wife, Nancy Beaulieu; her cherished sister-in-law Victoria Woronecki and husband, Richard; and her beloved mother-in-law, Marjorie Trombley DeLoach. Her extended family and friends include many nieces, nephews, cousins, former colleagues, and fellow mischief-makers who will miss her wisdom, her wit, and her uncanny ability to say exactly the right thing - sometimes with a twinkle, always with grace.

Patricia was many things: sharp, sincere, pragmatic, persuasive, and profoundly kind. She read the obituaries every morning - not out of morbidity, but because she believed every life had a story worth telling as long as it was with correct grammar. We hope this one made her proud.

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary's Church in Presque Isle at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 16, with a reception to follow at The Northeastland Hotel from 11:30 to 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ian R. Sutherland Memorial Scholarship at Northern Maine Community College, or better yet, plant something, help someone, and speak up when it counts - just as Pat would.