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Joan O'Rourke Obituary
March 26, 1936 - May 17, 2023
Joan T. O 'Rourke born March 26, 1936, in Oak Park, Illinois, died Wednesday May 17, 2023, at her home in Hanford, California.
Joan grew up in Oak Park, and is a graduate of St. Giles Elementary School, Trinity High School, and Rosary College. Joan earned her Illinois teaching credential and taught in Chicago public schools.
While in college, Joan met her husband to be, the Hon. John G. O'Rourke, on a blind date at a University of Notre Dame Victory Dance. The two married in Oak Park on January 3, 1959. They immediately headed west to Coronado, Calif., for John's U.S. Naval Service. When completed they moved to San Francisco where John had been accepted into Hastings School of Law. Their next and final stop was Hanford, where they raised five children: Peggy ('79), John, Katie, Ellen ('65), and Tom.
Joan served the community of Hanford and the parish of St. Brigid in several capacities: member of St. Brigid parish Altar Society, lector and choir, classroom teacher/vice-principal for Thomas McCarthy School, a fifty-year volunteer in the Sacred Heart Hospital Auxiliary and participated in the Diocesan Choir. Joan was active with the Kings Art Center, Roundtable, Kings County Guild, $100 St. Peter Parish Dinner, and the De Campos Dinner. In 2009, Joan (along with John) professed as members of the lay Dominican Order.
Joan T. O'Rourke is survived by her children: John and wife Darlene, Katie and husband Greg Delano, Tom and his wife Nancy. She has seven beloved grandchildren: Nicholas, Joseph, John, Dominic, Rose, Sean and Brendan ('03).
May she rest in peace!
A wake celebrating Joan will be held 4-7 p.m. Thursday, May 25 at Whitehurst McNamara Funeral Home (100 W. Bush St, Hanford).
Requiem Mass will be offered 10 a.m. Friday, May 26 at St. Brigid's Church (1001 N. Douty St, Hanford).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Rose-McCarthy Catholic School, 1000 N. Harris St., Hanford, CA 93230 - (559) 584-5218. The monies will support scholarships for current students.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joan O'Rourke
Sponsored by Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Service.
3 Entries
Margaret Church Salyer
June 9, 2023
I´m so sorry to hear of your mother´s passing. She and your dad were absolutely wonderful. They were so very kind and loving to my mom and dad when they lived in the apartment next to them. May God bless you all!
Whitehurst-McNamara Funeral Service
May 20, 2023
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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