Penny O'Rourke

1950 - 2025

Penny O'Rourke
Born: June 23, 1950
Died: November 8, 2025
Penny O'Rourke, Oregon, Illinois, was born in Maquoketa, Iowa on June 23, 1950 to John and Doris (Weasmer) Thompson. She passed away under the careful supervision of Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center and Serenity Hospice Care in Oregon, Illinois on November 8, 2025. As a young child Pen was an avid reader. Therefore, it is only fitting she became a Librarian after graduation from Savanna Community High School, June 1968; married Tim in Savanna, Illinois, January 1971; graduated from NIU in DeKalb, Illinois, June 1972; she became the Director of the Byron, Illinois Library from June 1974 until July 2015. In addition to her job, she raised her two sons, obtained a Master's Degree in Library Science from NIU, involved with the Illinois State Library in training Librarians, and helped Tim with all his teaching and coaching activities. Penny helped the Byron City Library move from the one room Culture Center into a District Library. One of her many accomplishments was planning, writing grants, and overseeing the construction of the current Library. However, she was the proudest of her two sons, Timothy II and Ryan. Penny was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Tim, of almost 55 years Oregon Illinois: Sons: Timothy (Tammie) O'Rourke II Leaf River, Illinois; Ryan (Ginger) O'Rourke Oregon, Illinois: Granddaughters: Krystal O'Rourke/Patrick Schumaker Oregon, Illinois; Rebekha (Kyle) Janssen Byron, Illinois; Grey Helen O'Rourke Oregon, Illinois: Great Granddaughters: Taliyha Janssen Byron, Illinois; Miyha Janssen Byron, Illinois: Great Grandson Tripp Janssen Byron, Illinois: Sister Patricia (Lyle) Haakenson Davenport, Iowa: Brother John (Dawn) Thompson Riverdale, Iowa. There will be a private family celebration at A Better Place Forests, in the Rock River Memorial, north of Oregon, Illinois at a later date. The family wishes to thank the staff of Oregon Living and Rehabilitation Center for their loving care of Penny. A memorial fund has been established for trees and a bench at Oregon Park West. Please send contributions to: Tim O'Rourke 406 Lillemor Lane Oregon IL 61061. The family is being assisted with arrangements by Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home. Please visit www.farrellhollandgale.com to leave a condolence or memory of Penny.