Rita Maude (Campbell) Sutherland, age 95, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at Willow Lodge, Tatamagouche, surrounded by family and caring staff.

Born and raised in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia, Rita was the daughter of the late Albert Campbell and Rita Goodwin and was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents. She was proud of her Cape Breton heritage and her Newfoundland roots, with values that shaped her strong work ethic, generosity, and devotion to family.

Rita attended Business College in Truro and enjoyed a long career as a bookkeeper with Irving Oil, Blue Cross, and Collin's Barrow Accounting. She retired in 1985, when she and her husband Wilbert moved to the Sutherland family homestead in Tatamagouche.

Rita was an active community volunteer with the United Church Women's Auxiliary in The Falls and the Tatamagouche Legion. She loved fishing, gardening, baking her well-known pies, crafting, quilting, cross stitch, doing word puzzles, playing cards—especially crib with Wilbert—and dancing. She will be remembered for her warmth, hospitality, and wonderful sense of humour.

Above all, Rita cherished her family, especially her grandchildren, and delighted in time spent with them traveling, fishing, and visiting Cape Breton.

Rita is survived by her son Jamie (Karen) Sutherland and daughter Debbie (John) Sutherland-O'Brien; grandchildren Keenan (Jenna), Meaghan (Darcy), and Michael; great-grandchildren Charlie, Summer, Lochlan, Rhonan, and Thoran; sister Mary Crawford; sister and brother-in-law Ivan (June) Sutherland and Phyllis Yates; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her brother John and sister Hazel, and her beloved husband Wilbert.

Graveside Service will be held Friday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Falls Cemetery with a reception and gathering to follow at the home of Phyllis Yates, 7441 Hwy. 311, The Falls.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Maplewood Manor or Willow Lodge Home for Special Care.

"There are no good-byes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart." ~ Mahatma Gandhi