Demaris “Dee” (Wolfe) Sunderlin, 95, of Burnside, Pennsylvania, entered into the eternal presence of her Lord on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Indiana Regional Medical Center in Indiana, Pennsylvania. Having faithfully walked throughout her life, she peacefully exchanged her earthly home for her eternal home in Heaven, where she was greeted by loved ones who had gone before her.
Born June 15, 1931, in Burnside, she was the daughter of the late Paul John Wolfe and Dolly Budd McGee. She spent her life in the community she cherished and was known for her warm smile, welcoming nature, and deep devotion to her family. To those who knew her best, she was simply “Dee.”
On February 16, 1951, she married Charles Guy Sunderlin. They shared 68 years together until his passing in 2019. Their home was built on faith, love, and hard work, and its doors were always open to others.
Although she worked for a time as a housekeeper, Dee found her greatest fulfillment in caring for her family as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and homemaker. To her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, she was affectionately known as “Maw,” a name spoken with love and admiration by generations of her family. She was a talented cook and baker, and her meals and desserts were a highlight of many family gatherings. Holidays at her home were especially cherished, filled with laughter and warmth.
Dee appreciated life’s simple pleasures, including jigsaw puzzles, crossword and word-find puzzles, scenic drives, and watching the Game Show Network and RFD-TV. She also enjoyed southern gospel and classic country music.
A woman of quiet faith, Dee was a member of the former Burnside Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. She took pleasure in helping with Vacation Bible School, serving cookies and Kool-Aid to generations of children. Her faith was evident in her kindness and generosity.
She is survived by her children, Charles Sunderlin and his wife, Linda; Diana Hoover and her husband, Richard; and Barry Sunderlin. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Michelle Pfeifer and her husband, Jason; Karen Busija and her husband, Steve; Brian Sunderlin; Richard Hoover, Jr. and his wife, Briana; Bradley Hoover; Shawn Sunderlin and his wife, Rebecca; and Alec Sunderlin and his wife, Shawna. She is further survived by her great-grandchildren, Thomas and Colton Pfeiffer; Levi Hoover; Charlotte, Claire, and Amelia Sunderlin; and Tanner Sunderlin and his fiancée, Emily Bradley. She was also blessed with three great-great-grandchildren, Easton, Everett, and Isabella Sunderlin.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents; her grandson, Justin Sunderlin; her daughter-in-law, Joan Sunderlin; four brothers and four sisters; and her beloved sister-in-law, Josephine Williams, whom she loved as a sister.
Family and friends will be received on Monday, July 20, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 Noon at the Rairigh Funeral Home, Ltd. in Hillsdale, PA, with the Noon funeral service immediately following the visitation. Private interment will take place at Burnside Cemetery.
Her family mourns her passing while finding comfort in their faith and the promise of eternal life. Dee leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, hospitality, and devotion to family. Her love, kindness, and gentle spirit will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
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