Gresham resident, Willette Sutter passed away at her home in her sleep on Friday, October 23, 2009. She was 65.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at Mt. Hood Hospice in Sandy on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 1:00 p.m.
She was born, Willette Marie MacMahon to William and Elizabeth (Matern) MacMahon on January 15, 1944 in Yakima, Washington. As a young girl, the family moved to Salem where she was raised and received her elementary and high school education. Shortly after graduating from Sara High School, she furthered her education at Chemeketa College. She graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse and began her career. She moved to Corvallis and worked as a nurse at the Children’s Farm Home where she met and later married John Sutter. They were united in marriage in 1966. They remained in Corvallis where Willette pursued her career until her children were born. In 1972, the family moved to Boring where they raised their two daughters. A few years later, Willette returned to nursing and was employed at Rest Harbor, Willow Tree Care Center and later at Gateway Care Center.
In November of 1992, Willette began working at Mt. Hood Hospice as a Licensed Practical Nurse and later as the Patient Care Coordinator. Even though she had been diagnosed with cancer, she was determined to work until her health wouldn’t allow her to which was a month prior to her passing.
Willette’s family was of great importance to her and she enjoyed spending time with them. She also enjoyed doing crafts, gardening, decorating her home for the holidays and spending time at her beach house. When her girls were young, she volunteered and was actively involved in Girl Scouts of America for over 20 years and was one of the founders of the Alpine Day Camp. She also served as Neighborhood Chairman for over 10 years. Willette was dedicated to both her family and her career as a nurse with Mt. Hood Hospice.
Surviving are her daughters, Jennifer Mormance of Bend and Susan Krieger of Sandy; her sisters, Dolores Fladwood of Salem and Sally Brinton of Bellingham, Washington and 5 grandchildren.