Courtney R. Rorick

Courtney Rorick, age 30, passed away on August 19, 2025 from an accidental overdose. For many years, she fought a heroic battle with addiction. 

We wish she had recognized the beauty and strength everyone else saw in her. Courtney did not want to leave this world. She yearned for a life without fear and pain; a life that would permit her to realize that the world was open for her to explore and that change was possible. 

Courtney graduated from Gull Lake High School in 2013, where she participated in Theatre, Track, and especially excelled in Band – Marching, Jazz, and Competitive. She went on to study Graphic Design at Western Michigan University. A highlight from her time at WMU was spending a summer studying abroad in Italy. That trip sparked dreams of traveling. She had a deep curiosity about the world and connecting with people across cultures.

Courtney had a talent for meticulously-crafted sarcasm and quick wit. She allowed her kindness and compassion to shine – she had found the courage to be herself. She was very creative, her amazing artistic talent can be seen in all of her pieces of artwork. She loved to read and had a diverse interest in literature. Some of her favorite times were spent with family on camping trips, talking with friends, and listening to music on long drives. 

It is not true that everything happens for a reason. The reality of Courtney’s death is devastating, and no possible reason can justify the loss of this beautiful young woman, who had so much to give to the world. Wherever she went, people loved her. She valued inclusion and acceptance and could start a conversation with anyone. One of her favorite sayings was “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

The disease of addiction is merciless. It is up to us to open our minds and hearts to those who are fighting this horrible battle. Courtney would want us to fight for her – and for what she believed in, a world where those struggling are met with understanding and hope. She would want us to use our voices to speak out about what is happening to her generation. She would want to know she mattered. She would want her story told, so that we never forget she was an amazing young woman with a bright future...not just a statistic.

Courtney is survived by her parents, Doug and Laura Rorick and her brother, Cody. She is also survived by grandparents David Dennany and Marilyn (Emaar) Dennany, Aunts Pam (Jamie) Briggs, Michelle Davidson, Mary Dennany, Becky (Kunta) Taylor, Lyn Wolff and Uncles David Dennany Jr., Andrew Rorick and Daniel Rorick as well as many beloved cousins. Courtney is predeceased by Grandparents Richard Rorick and Patricia (Wright) Rorick, Uncle Todd Rorick and Aunt Sue Dennany.

A memorial will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025. Visitation will be held from 4 - 6pm. Services will begin at 6 pm with food and fellowship immediately following. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to https://wmich.edu/socialwork/education-innovation-fund and also Enlightened Recovery, 1430 Alamo Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49006.