Obituary: Joan Marie O'Rourke, BSN, RN, 81

Joan Marie O’Rourke, BSN, RN, 81, of E. Greenwich, passed on to her eternal reward on Sunday December 13, 2015 following a courageous three year struggle with cancer.

Joan was born in Conshohocken, PA, the daughter of Francis and Josephine Palacio and one of five siblings. She was a 1956 graduate of the Georgetown University, School of Nursing with a BSN degree. Her working years involved a variety of clinical and nursing education positions. She enjoyed for years participation in the parish services and committees of St. Francis de Sales Church.

Joan is survived by her husband, Wm. J. O’Rourke, M.D. and their two beloved children; Martha Ann and William Francis and their respective spouses, Christopher Waitkun and Christine O’Rourke and four grandchildren; Colin, Cameron, Bridget & Sophie. Also her surviving sister in California, Rena Dorn.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, December 19th at 10:00AM at St. Francis de Sales Church, 381 School Street, N. Kingstown. Family & friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 6th Avenue, E. Greenwich. A buffet reception will follow at the St. Francis de Sales Parish Center to celebrate Joan’s life. All are welcome.