Sunderland W. Everstill, 62, passed away on Tuesday, June 10, 2003, at her Mountain Center residence.

She was born Oct. 30, 1940, in Los Angeles and had lived in Idyllwild the past 33 years and a few years in Hemet prior to that.

She was President of Living Free Animal Sanctuary since 1989 when she assumed this leadership role after the death of its founder, Emily Jo Beard.

Her love of music, having studied at Julliard, was only surpassed by her love of animals. There was the private and reserved person, offset by her generous and compassionate heart and spirit.

She was always looking out for others — people and animals — and referred to people as a “Treasure Trove”. Sunderland was Living Free’s “Treasure Trove”!

Beloved Sunderland leaves behind her sister and brother-in-law, Ima Mary and Patrick Dennis, of Anza, Calif., along with her many, many friends, co-workers and loved animals.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 21 at Give Life Park at Living Free Animal Sanctuary, 54250 Keen Camp Road, Mountain Center. (909) 659-4687.

McWane Family Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

In a faltering economic climate which has impacted Living Free, Sunderland has been the stalwart guiding light working to ensure the continuance of Living Free’s mission — saving Dogs and Cats from pound euthanasia.

Her being translated into a tenacious pursuit of this vision against overwhelming odds.

Her life demonstrated Living Free’s philosophy: “We Save What We Value.” Her absence now leaves an immeasurable void in all our lives.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Living Free Animal Sanctuary, P.O. Box 5, Mountain Center, CA 92561.

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