Ellen O'Rourke Obituary (1917

CHELMSFORD-Ellen M. (O'Connor) O'Rourke of Chelmsford, MA and Rye Beach, NH, died on May 24, 2010, after a brief illness. She was the wife of John J. O'Rourke with whom she celebrated their 54th Anniversary on October 8th. Mrs. O'Rourke was born in Newmarket, NH, the daughter of the late William J. O'Connor and the late Rachel Ellen (Sharples). Mrs. O'Rourke received her early education in the Newmarket, NH schools before making her home in Dracut, MA in her early teens. She was a graduate of Lowell High School, an honor student and Girl Officer, a graduate of Lowell Commercial College and attended Lowell State College. In her early years, she was a ballet, tap, and acrobatic dancer. She liked music and played the piano. She also was an avid ice skater and skier and she was crowned Snow Queen of the Western Slope Ski Assn's at North Conway, NH. She was a communicant of St. Mary Church, Chelmsford, MA. Mrs. O'Rourke held membership in several organizations. An honorary member of the Chelmsford Garden Club, a member of the Middlesex Women's Club, League of Catholic Women, Chelmsford Emblem Club #541, Sts. Memorial Foundation and the Red Hat Society. Prior to her retirement, Mrs. O'Rourke was employed as an executive secretary by the Newmarket Mfg. Company and the Ames Textile Corp. of Lowell, MA. Mrs. O'Rourke is survived by her husband John J. O'Rourke and daughter Sue Ellen O'Rourke of Chelmsford, MA, a son Kerry J. O'Rourke of Nashua, NH, a grandson Ryan Matthew O'Rourke and granddaughter Emma Kate O'Rourke of Hudson, NH. She was also the sister of the late Catherine E. Tremblay. It being her wishes, calling hours have been omitted. Her funeral will take place from the BLAKE FUNERAL HOME, 24 Worthen St., CHELMSFORD on Thursday morning at 8 o'clock, followed by her Funeral Mass at 9 o'clock at St. Mary Church, 25 North Rd. Family and friends respectfully invited. Interment in Pine Ridge Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in Ellen's memory may be made to the MS Research Foundation, P. O. Box 1284, Perth Amboy, NJ 08862.