Rita M. O’Rourke
1936-2020
Rita Mary (Coughlan) O’Rourke passed away peacefully on March 25,
2020. She was born on August 18th, 1936 in Stanley, NB, the youngest
daughter of Francis Alexander Coughlan and Mary Maud (Foreman).
Rita is survived by her children: Jeffrey O’Rourke (Holly) of St.
Andrews, NB, Ian O’Rourke (Susan) of Petaluma, California and Tamah
Markle(Craig) of Orillia, Ontario and their father John O’Rourke. She
is also survived by her beloved grandchildren: Sarah, Carolyn, Scott,
Tiernan, Jonathan, Skylar, Reagan, Michaela, Caden, all her special
nieces and nephews, sisters-in-law Ann Coughlan and Betty Fitzgerald,
brother-in-law, Mel Brown and long time friend Hugh Fullarton.
Rita was predeceased by her parents, her sisters- Mabel Robbins, Cora
Coburn, Ina Brown and her brothers Ian and Garth Coughlan.
Rita graduated from Stanley Regional High School, Fredericton Teachers
College, and earned her BA at Concordia University in Montreal. She
had a long and satisfying teaching career starting in Shediac, NB,
moving to Quebec, Ontario and the Arctic. When young, her passion in
life was playing basketball. She was a long time member of the Order
of St. Luke and was an associate of the Sisters of St. Margaret. She
had many wonderful friends who became part of her extended family.
Rita had a generous spirit and enjoyed entertaining family and friends
around her table. She radiated love and kindness wherever she went.
She will be profoundly missed. A gathering to celebrate Rita’s life
will be arranged at a later date. For those who wish, donations in
Rita’s memory, may be made to a charity of their choice
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Rita O’Rourke 19362020..
Death notice for the town of: St-Stephen, Province: Nouveau-Brunswick