Jean C. (Wordell) Sunderland, 93, of Westport passed away peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday, March 16, 2025. She was the wife of the late Paul L. Sunderland, they were married on April 3, 1954 and shared 65 years of marriage.
Born in Fall River, daughter of the late Norman B. and Thelma M. (Allen) Wordell, she had lived in Westport for most of her life. A 1949 graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, she graduated from the former Truesdale Hospital School of Nursing. Prior to retirement, she worked as a registered nurse at the former Truesdale Hospital in Fall River until becoming assistant instructor of the Nursing Arts program there. Jean was a member of the Truesdale Hospital Nurses Alumni Association. After retirement she volunteered at both the former Truesdale and Union Hospitals. She also volunteered at the former Adams House Nursing Home. Mrs. Sunderland was a member of the Congregational Christian Church in Somerset, where the "Thursday Girls" were created, they met for over 40 years and enjoyed many outings, including trips to the beach. Jean enjoyed watching the birds, you could find her by the window watching them feast on the birdfeeder. She loved reading and had a large library of her own.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to Suzanne and the amazing group of caregivers for all of their compassion.
She is survived by 3 sons: Marc A. Sunderland and his wife Priscilla of Barnstable, Ethan C. Sunderland and his wife Lillian of Griswold, CT and David P. Sunderland and his companion Susan Brayton of Westport; 7 grandchildren: Paul and his wife Heather, Merrill and his wife Liz, Hannah and her husband Louis, Haley, Hilary and her fiancé Joshua, Kristen and her husband Joey, and Cory; 3 great grandchildren: Christopher, Penelope and Isaac; and several nieces and nephews.
She was sister of the late Doris Paluba, Norman Wordell, Virginia Wordell, Bernice Wordell and Mildred Lamb.
Funeral to which relatives and friends are invited will be Thursday, March 20, 2025 at the Potter Funeral Home at 12:00 P.M.
Visitation will be Thursday from 11:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.
Interment will be in Beech Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.