Claira (McCarthy) Sutherland, 81, of Worcester passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, at Autumn Village. Born and raised in Manchester, on the island of Jamaica, she was the daughter of the late Katie Ashley.

     Her husband of thirty-three years, Ronald A. Sutherland passed away on May 27, 1999. She leaves behind her son, Glenford Sutherland of Worcester; two step-sons, Lloyd Sutherland of Worcester and Derek Sutherland of Ontario, Canada; a step-daughter Dahlia Sutherland of Arizona; two brothers Ray Stewart of Cherry Valley and Melvin McCarthy of Jamaica; a sister, Gwendolyn Peart of Worcester; many nieces, nephews, and friends.

     Claira migrated to the United States in 1969 and lived in Worcester, where she formed many close friendships. She loved the Lord and was a member of John Street Baptist Church where she was an Usher and a volunteer at the Soup Kitchen. She worked at Worcester State Hospital and the former Westborough State Hospital for twenty-four years before retiring.

     Claira loved gardening and grew a wide variety of roses, her favorite flower. She was a caring, loving and devoted mother, sister, aunt, and friend. Claira was also a very independent woman who knew what she wanted and worked to achieve it.

     Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 9, 2014 from 3-5 p.m. in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester and again on Monday, March 10th from 10-11 a.m. at John Street Baptist Church. Funeral service will be held on Monday, March 10, 2014 in John Street Baptist Church, 43 John St, Worcester, MA. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: John Street Baptist Church, 43 John St, Worcester, MA. 01609.