14 June 1936 – 18 October 2025
Norwich High School for Girls is proud to remember alumna Christine Thesis Sutherland, Class of 1954.
Born in Norwich, Norfolk, on 14th June 1936 to Frank Mason and Joan (Rivett), Christine attended Norwich High School for Girls from 1942 to 1954. It was during her time here that her remarkable talents in music and literature first shone brightly; she was awarded a prestigious place at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, where she read English.
While at Oxford, Christine met her husband, John Sutherland. The couple emigrated to Canada in 1960. After raising their family in Ottawa and Edmonton, they settled in Montreal in 1968, where Christine earned a Master of Arts from McGill University. Music remained a deep passion; she was the alto soloist for the Montreal West United Church.
In 1974, Christine moved to Calgary, where her distinguished academic career flourished at the University of Calgary. Joining the Effective Writing Programme, she eventually became its Director and later taught rhetoric in the Faculty of General Studies. A devoted educator and scholar, her work included the acclaimed book, The Eloquence of Mary Astell (2005). She retired in 2009 as a Professor and was named Professor Emerita. During her time in Calgary, she also sang in the Calgary Philharmonic Chorus and the Choir at the Cathedral Church of the Redeemer.
Christine Sutherland will be remembered as a dedicated scholar, a talented musician and a woman of deep faith who began her journey with us here at Norwich High School for Girls. Christine Sutherland passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 18th 2025 aged 89.
