Claudeen Hendrickson Sutherland, 66, passed away on May 23, 2026 from natural causes at her home in Sandy, Utah.
Claudeen was born on March 29, 1960 in Gunnison, Utah, to George Bruce Hendrickson and Roena Oranell Brown. From the beginning, she was surrounded by family as a beloved sister to Tim, Sheri, and Lana.
Claudeen experienced a heartbreaking loss at the tender age of two when her father passed away. At age four, she was blessed with a loving dad, Curtis “Mac” Shields, who proudly raised her as his own. With that blessing came three more siblings, York, MaryAnn, and Dean. Claudeen loved her parents and siblings with all her might, and family remained one of the greatest treasures of her life.
She graduated from Millard High School and later married Kelly C. Sutherland. Though they later divorced, their marriage brought two beautiful daughters into the world, Mandee and Cortney. While her daughters may forever argue over who she loved more, the truth is simple: Claudeen loved them both deeply and completely. She was incredibly proud of the women they became and especially proud of the mothers they grew to be.
Over the last 19 years, Claudeen’s most cherished title was “Mimi.” She adored her grandchildren, Talan, Tayge, and Kael, and being their Mimi brought her immeasurable joy. Her family was her heart.
For more than 35 years, she worked as an escrow officer. She was dedicated, hardworking, and respected by the many people who had the privilege of working with her. She took pride in what she did and built lasting relationships along the way.
Claudeen was always checking in on friends and family, asking how they were and genuinely wanting to know the answer. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, loved, and cared for.
Claudeen’s humor was top notch. She had a quick wit, a playful spirit, and a way of making people laugh even when they didn’t expect it. Whether it was a perfectly timed comment, a little sarcasm, or a look that said it all, Claudeen brought joy and laughter wherever she went. Her humor was part of her charm, and it is one of the many things her family and friends will miss most.
Claudeen is survived by her daughters, Amanda “Mandee” Sutherland and Cortney Sutherland; her grandchildren, Talan Pearson, Tayge Pearson, and Kael Ellington; her brothers, Tim (Ruth Ann) Tuttle, and Dean (Kris) Shield; her sisters, Sheri Kay (Greg) Thueson, and Lana Nielson; her brother-in-law, Kevin Steadman, husband of her late sister MaryAnn Steadman and sister-in-law, Sandi Shields, wife of her late brother York Shields; many nephews, nieces and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her fathers, George Bruce Hendrickson and Curtis “Mac” Shields; her mother, Roena Shields; her brother, York Shields; her sister, MaryAnn Steadman; and her nephews, Sean Stott and Quinn Steadman.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Claudeen’s life on Friday, June 26, at 6:30 p.m. in the backyard of her niece’s home at 341 East Corner Bridge Lane, Draper, Utah. A planned program will begin at 7:00 p.m.