Obituary of Rita M. O'Rourke

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 held on Wednesday,August 18 th at 2:00 pm at All Saints Anglican Church, St Andrews,NB. Interment will take place at a later date.  For those who wish, donations in Rita's memory, may be made to a charity of their choice