Carol Hitchcock Sutherland McLaren, who died quietly on August 19, with her family by her side, had many interests and passions in her life which never diminished, even into her tenth decade. Her faith was a strong and consistent presence that provided both a source of strength and joy to her throughout her life, and is consoling those of us who knew and loved her, in her death. Her talents and enthusiasms were wonderfully eclectic: needlepoint and knitting, English Lusterware, European history, reading, and, of course, Beatrix Potter, among many other things.

She grew up in Derby, CT, and attended The Day School, now known as the Hopkins School. Smith College proved a seminal experience, offering a wonderful education and exceptional lifelong friendships. After marrying John Sutherland (1931-1982) at St. Thomas More in New York City, she moved to Darien, CT, where she raised her three children, built more enduring friendships, hosted wonderful Christmas parties, and found great fulfillment in volunteer work. She loved Cape Cod where John was from, and particularly enjoyed her friendships at The Beach Club, Wianno and Oyster Harbors.

From the Junior League and PTA to the annual Smith College Used Book Sale, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and historic preservation, Carol was always busy and always contributing. She and a small cadre of friends were instrumental in saving what is now the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in Norwalk, CT, as well as Alumnae Gymnasium at Smith College. Rather than the inevitable fate of demolition, both buildings are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Following John’s death in 1982, Carol and her dear friend and neighbor, Beverly Moran, opened a small knitting shop in Darien called Needles. In 1985, she married Richard K. McLaren and together they moved to Charleston, SC. She was devoted to Charleston and its people and was actively involved in the city’s religious, cultural, and social life. A member of St. Philip’s Church, she served on the vestry and in the flower guild. She was also a member of the Charleston Library Society, the Century Club of Charleston, and Yeamans Hall Club.They eventually settled at Bishop Gadsden Episcopal Retirement Community, where she spent the remainder of her life. She found great pleasure in volunteering at St. Philip’s, with Water Missions,, and at Eliza’s Attic and the Chapel, both at Bishop Gadsden. Above all, it was the friendships she made through St. Philip’s Church and at Bishop Gadsden that were most meaningful and rewarding to her during those years.

She is survived by her three children: Barbara Sutherland Berry of Charleston; Amanda Sutherland Mason (Tom) of Fairfield, CT; and Joseph Sutherland of Charleston; five grandchildren, Julia, Jake, Kyle, Sarah, and Elizabeth; and four great-grandchildren. She also felt fortunate to have five stepchildren and their spouses and families: Chesley and Doug Welch of Chatham, NY; Christopher McLaren of Savannah, GA; Betsy and Einar Andersen of Savannah; Nick and Claudia McLaren of Katonah, NY; and Jennifer and Willy Clark of Portland, OR.

A service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on November 6, 2026 at St. Philip’s Church in Charleston. Inurnment will follow in the St. Philip's Churchyard. A nearby reception will follow the service. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Downtown Chapel. 

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