Mary Sutherland

1929 - 2017

Mary was born in Napier and grew up in Otorohanga, where she completed her college education by correspondence.  Mary started training as a nurse but gave this up after two years, which she said was one of the biggest mistakes of her life. 

She spent a number of years looking after other people’s children before travelling throughout New Zealand with her sister, working in the St Bedes, Dunedin, Napier and Auckland hospitals as domestic help.

Mary was the matron in Argyll House (the boarding house at Hamilton Boys High School) for 20 years until 1985.

Mary’s hobbies included golf, swimming at the beach and gardening.

Mary worked with a special-needs child for 24 years who benefited from Riding for the Disabled.  She has “seen the look on their faces when they get on these horses” and thinks it is marvelous how horses can understand the requirements of these special-needs children.

A portion of Mary’s fund supports Riding for the Disabled (Hamilton), and the remainder is available for general distribution.