Linda O'Rourke
11/14/1946 - 08/15/2024
Linda Louise O'Rourke nee Bartolotti completed her journey with Alzheimer's on Thursday, August 15, 2024. In 2016, she lost her husband of 48 years, Gene. She leaves behind her daughter, Bridget O'Rourke (Jeff Tucker); son, John O'Rourke (Cathy Quain); and two beloved granddaughters, Molly and Brenna Tucker, along with many dear nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Linda was born in Oakland and raised by Joseph and Hilda Bartolotti primarily in Martinez, CA. She attended St. Catherine's grammar school and Alhambra High School before attending University of Portland and University of San Francisco. She completed her undergraduate degree and teaching certification at San Francisco State University. Linda tackled many hard things; in the same year, she quit smoking, passed the notoriously difficult National Teaching Exam and graduated from college as a mother of two school-aged children. She touched the lives of many students throughout her teaching career first at St. Paul's Primary School and then San Francisco Day School, where she taught for 18 years. Linda was known for her laugh, giving great hugs, keeping a fastidious house, reading hundreds of books, adventurous travel, occasional swearing, the best chocolate chip cookies, winning over spirited students, wild generosity and loving fiercely. She will be deeply missed.
A service will be held on September 14, 2024, at 11:00 am, at St. Teresa of Avila Church in San Francisco. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the San Francisco Day School Joel Young Fund for Teachers or the Sisters of the Presentation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Aug. 22 to Aug. 23, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Linda O'Rourke

8 Entries

Cindy Mccullagh

September 11, 2024

I have never met another who was loved more than you Linda Lou. Our special friendship will live on until we meet again.
Cindy McCullagh

Cynthia Mccullagh

Planted Trees

Frances Dickson

September 6, 2024

I worked with Linda at SF Day School from 1990-2003. I was a new teacher and she was such a fun, loving, kind and helpful colleague who made me feel welcomed and appreciated. Linda arrived at school at about 6:00am-- by far the first to arrive-- and always made a pot or two of coffee for all of the teachers. She often had a big bowl of popcorn in her office to share. Linda was like a beloved aunt, mother or older sister to so many of the younger teachers. She had such a big heart and will always bring a smile to my face when I think of her. Linda was truly a very special teacher, colleague, and friend who made a life-long impact on so many people.

Chris Drake (SFDS c/o 1995)

September 5, 2024

I´m very sad to hear of Mrs. O´Rourke´s passing. She meant so much to me and to so many others. I know she has left a rich legacy for all those whose lives she touched, and I am so grateful she was my teacher.

I was a second-grader in Mrs. O´Rourke´s first class at the upstart San Francisco Day School, back in the late 80´s (I´m now just a little older than she was that year). First of her 18 years there. For some reason, I remember things she told us all the way back then - that she was a new teacher at the school, that she used to teach at St. Paul´s, that she grew up in Martinez (like Joe DiMaggio), the part of town she lived in, what to expect in her class, etc. Right from the start, she treated us like big kids. Like we were innocent but responsible. With tenderness, but also with respect. It´s hard to describe what it was like being her student-in second grade, and then again in eighth grade!-but it was very special, and I´ll never forget it. Honestly, I never had another teacher like that.

The last time I ever saw Mrs. O´Rourke was when I met her for coffee one day after she had left full-time teaching. You probably wonder why I keep calling her Mrs. O´Rourke. I think she might have asked me to call her by her first name when we met that time, but I doubt I could do it - and if I did, it was definitely a struggle. As you can tell, I still can´t do it.

Thank you, Mrs. O´Rourke, for inspiring so many of us - I know this world is a little better because of you!

Lana Rocheford (Jang)

August 28, 2024

I wanted to share that Mrs. O´Rourke was the first teacher who taught me that learning can be joyous and not scary when I was a 3rd grader at St. Paul´s. There are a group from my class at St. Paul´s who remember her so fondly and we are grateful for her love of teaching. She totally was the first cool teacher I´d ever had.

Rick Poe

August 28, 2024

Bridget and John Words can't convey the love I have for your Mom and Dad.
I saw them married (as a substitute for Don who was chasing bulls in Pamplona, or that was the story at the time). The two of you and me never properly bonded, but I felt and knew of all your goings-on through the years.
How fleeting life is. How enduring love is. I will
never forget all your family was to me and, I hope, in a small way, I was to them...and you. God bless all of you

Tess Sullivan

August 25, 2024

I read with sadness of your Mom's passing. Working with her at St. Paul's, i saw how she touched the lives of her students and families in a positive way with her generosity, caring and humor, A remarkable woman, gone too soon. Rest in Peace, dear Linda

Bette Roman

August 22, 2024

Dear O´Rourke Family,
Your Mim was such a great teacher and person. She was there for my son and I at a difficult time in our lives at St.Paul´s . God Bless her spirit and Rest in eternity. ... and yes, she gave great hugs!

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