Pamela Ann Sutherland

Pamela was born on September 17, 1950, in Carlinville, IL, the daughter of Norman and Mary (Walton) Rosentreter. She married Martin Sutherland on February 15, 1969, and he preceded her in death on December 16, 2014.

Pam graduated from Hillsboro High School in 1968. She and her husband briefly lived in Kansas during his military service before settling permanently in Springfield. Pam was the President/CEO of the Illinois Planned Parenthood Council from 1980 to 2008 and then went on to become the Vice President of Public Policy and Education at Planned Parenthood Illinois from 2008 to 2015. Pam’s advocacy work at Planned Parenthood reflected her unwavering commitment to health, education, and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

Family, and her cat Jessie, were at the heart of Pam’s life. She cherished time with her siblings, nieces, and nephews, celebrating “sisters’ days,” family vacations, and yearly trips to Sanibel and Naples, Florida. She especially loved being at her cabin in Carlinville, where she spent countless hours swimming and fishing with the children in the family. Pam also cultivated deep, lifelong friendships and was known for her generosity and readiness to help anyone in need. She enjoyed antiquing, gardening, decorating, and spending time with loved ones. A devoted traveler, she explored Tahiti, Europe, Hawaii, and Mexico with her husband and later visited Greece with some of her closest friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman and Mary; husband, Martin; brother, Andy Rosentreter; and brother-in-law, Lyndal Herschelman.

Pamela is survived by her sisters, Mary Herschelman of Carlinville, Janet Rosentreter of Springfield, and Norma (Bill) Plowman of Hillsboro; and many nieces and nephews, including great nieces and nephews.

Memorial Ceremony: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home - Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield, with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating. A Memorial Gathering will follow from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.

Pam was a passionate advocate for animal rights and public education. Those who wish to honor her memory can make a memorial contribution to the Animal Protective League, National Public Radio (NPR), or a local community-based program such as a local food bank.