Jo-Anne M. O'Rourke

After the longest of goodbyes, we are saddened to share the passing of Jo-Anne Marie (Ollis) O’Rourke. Jo-Anne was born on February 7, 1941, to William and Anne (Lucey) Ollis. As an only child, she was born, raised, and spent most of her life in Worcester. She graduated from Ascension High School in 1959 and went on to complete her studies at Salter Secretarial School in 1961.

Jo-Anne began her career at Addressograph Multigraph in Worcester, where she honed her skills as an accounts specialist—maintaining and organizing financial records there, as well as at the Greendale YMCA and later at Euro-American Air Freight.

But Jo-Anne would say her greatest accomplishments were being a devoted wife, loving mother, and proud grandmother. She met the love of her life, Robert (Bob) O’Rourke, on a blind date in 1965. It was a whirlwind romance, and they married on November 27, 1965. Jo-Anne passed just 19 days before what would have been their 60th wedding anniversary. Within three short years, they became a family of four, welcoming their son Robert (Bob Jr.) and daughter Colleen.

Jo-Anne cherished a quiet life on Indian Hill Road for over 20 years, where she and Bob raised their children. She loved cooking, sewing, and keeping a meticulous home, but her true passion was knitting. She created countless Irish knit sweaters for friends and family over the years. Jo-Anne would be described as a fiercely loyal friend and a lover of a good party—whether at home, the Irish Club, or the Knights of Columbus, Jo-Anne loved being in the company of good friends. She had a deep love of music, was always the first on the dance floor, and often the last to leave.

In 1994, Jo-Anne and Bob moved to Holden to be closer to their children and grandchildren. She never missed an opportunity to babysit and relished her role as “Grammy.” Together, she and Bob spent countless hours attending dance recitals, school performances, and ball games, taking great pride in watching their grandchildren grow.

In 2021, they moved to Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community, where Jo-Anne’s care needs could be met with compassion and dignity.

Jo-Anne leaves behind her beloved husband of nearly 60 years, Robert O’Rourke; her son Bob O’Rourke, his wife Doreen, and their children Kylie, Sean, and Kevin; and her daughter Colleen O’Rourke, her partner Ken Paradis, and their children Braiden, Ryan, and MacKenzie. She is also survived by her cherished in-laws: Peter and Mary O’Rourke, Mary Dudley, and Maureen O’Rourke, along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was predeceased by her parents and her brothers-in-law, John O’Rourke and Leslie Dudley.

Jo-Anne’s family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Briarwood Evergreen Memory Unit, Knollwood Nursing Center, and Jewish Home Hospice, where she received exceptional care over the past two years.

A Visiting Hour will be held Wednesday, November 12 from 9-10am in St. George’s Church, 40 Brattle St. followed by a Funeral Mass at 10am in the church. Burial will be in St. John’s Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Jewish Home Hospice (JHC Hospice) at https://www.jhccenter.org/make-a-donation/.