REST IN PEACE
Marie Harbick O’Rourke (80), of Cassadaga, NY and more recently of the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Dunkirk NY, passed away on March 13, 2018.
Marie is survived by her husband, Daniel and three children, David O’Rourke of Cassadaga, New York, Chris O’Rourke (Stephanie), of Cary, North Carolina and Shinae O’Rourke of Maybrook, NY. Six grandchildren also survive: Erin O’Rourke, Caitlin O’Rourke, Jill O’Rourke, Grace O’Rourke, Gabby O’Rourke and Lulu Chisholm O’Rourke. Additionally, she is survived by her brothers Paul Harbick of Bella Vista, Arkansas, and Steve Harbick of Onemo, Virginia. She is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Robert Harbick and Peter Harbick, and grandson Luca Chisholm O’Rourke.
She was born on January 22, 1938 in Menominee, Michigan the daughter of Wilmer and Dorothy (LeMay) Harbick. From 1956 until 1971 she was a Catholic nun in the Franciscan Order, teaching in various grammar schools in Northeastern Wisconsin. Marie married Daniel O’Rourke , a former Franciscan, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on September 18, 1971.
She was Religious Education Director and Associate Campus Minister at the SUNY Fredonia Newman Center from 1984 to 1994. As an educator, Marie taught at the Rainbow School in Fredonia NY and worked for the Dunkirk Public School System.
Marie was a member of the Newman Center at SUNY Fredonia and a participating friend with the Unitarian Universalist of Northern Chautauqua County.
She will be remembered as a kind, gentle, loving and giving wife, mother, grandmother, friend and member of her community. Marie was passionate for justice and peace. She always did all she could to help others. Those who knew and loved her will miss her gentle goodness.
Marie was a long-time member and past president of the Board of Directors of Chautauqua County Rural Ministry from 1983 to 1984. She was also active in the Dunkirk-Fredonia Center for Peace and Justice and a Red Cross volunteer and regular blood donor.
Before being stricken with Alzheimer’s disease, Marie enjoyed walking Cassadaga Lake, gardening, home canning, basket weaving, piano playing, yoga, and aerobic exercise.
Marie’s family would especially like to thank her friends who visited her often at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center, as well as the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center staff for their loving care for her these past three years. Marie has donated her body to the University of Buffalo Anatomical Gift Program for scientific research and teaching.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in her memory to the Chautauqua County Rural Ministry, Box 682, Dunkirk, NY 14048.
A memorial service will be held in April, at a date and location to be determined.
Dan & Marie were longtime supporters of CORPUS and outspoken advocates for an inclusive ministry.
Condolences:
Daniel O’Rourke
Chautauqua Nursing and Rehab Center
10836 Temple Road
Dunkirk, New York 14048-9611