Janet Ann O'Rourke

Janet Ann (Jan) O'Rourke, 85, passed away suddenly on January 9, 2017 in Danville, Illinois. She was born on April 16, 1931 in New Haven, CT to Frank W. Flood and Rose Clark Corbett. She was raised with her six sisters in Hamden, CT. She graduated from Hamden High School in 1949 and attended the University of Connecticut. She earned a bachelor's of science degree in early childhood education from Southern Connecticut State College in 1953. She began what would be a long, fulfilling career in education in Hamden where she taught at Dunbar Hill School for four years; she also did work for a master's degree at Bridgewater Teachers College in Bridgewater, MA. In 1957, she went abroad on an adventure to teach elementary school at a U.S. Army base in Zama, Japan, for one year and then on to another base in Giessen, West Germany, for another year. In 1959, she became Assistant to the Dean of Women at Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where she also worked as Director of the Student Center and Manager of the Social Center. While working in Washington, she met her husband, John O'Rourke, in 1960 while he was teaching and working on a law degree. They married in Hamden on June 24, 1961 and moved to his hometown of Danville, IL, where she supported him through his legal career. They were married for 55 years and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011 at a party with family and friends in Chicago. In Danville, Jan continued her teaching career. She taught at the YWCA Pre-School from 1981-1989, serving as director of the school from 1986-1989. Jan also taught pre-school at St. Paul's Catholic School and at Central Christian Church Pre-School and was a beloved pre-school teacher to many. In retirement, her former students and their parents would recognize her in restaurants and stores and always made a point of saying hello. While raising her six children, Jan was active in numerous school and community activities. She served on the school board, was president of the Home and School Board at St. Paul's School and was the Parents' Club President at Schlarman High School. Jan was a 4-H group leader and a member of the Vermilion County Bar Association Auxiliary , Birthright of Danville, and the fifth class of the Leadership Danville program. In recent years, she was active in the Danville Garden Club. After her retirement, Jan planted and tended a beautiful and extensive flower garden at her home each summer. Jan was the proud grandmother of 14 and was happiest when her family was all gathered together. She enjoyed family holiday celebrations and the family's annual trips to Lake Michigan for Labor Day weekend. Jan enjoyed traveling to visit her sisters on the East coast; when her children were young, Jan made it a priority to drive out east with her family each summer to visit the beaches in Maine and Cape Cod and allow her children to get to know all their cousins. Her family, many close friends, and former students were touched by her generous and loving nature. Her memory and spirit will live on through her children and grandchildren, who cherish the special memories she created for them. Jan was preceded in death by her mother and father and an infant grandson. She is survived by her husband Hon. John P. O'Rourke (Ret.) and her children Kerry, Beth (Kevin Reiman), Ellen (Peter McCormack), Amy (Steve Marsey), Peter, and Meg (Jeff Head). She is survived by her grandchildren Kate, Erin, and Will Reiman; Mary Margaret and Brigid McCormack; Eli, Jane, and John Marsey; Aubre Jean and Cain O'Rourke; and Simon, Seamus, and Max Head. She also is survived by her sisters Marie Merkel, Rosemary Fitzpatrick, Joan Ciaburri, Frances Jack, Virginia Kelly, and Elizabeth Ziter. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 at St. Paul's Catholic Church, 1303 N. Walnut Street in Danville, IL. Immediately following the visitation, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Church. A graveside service will follow the Mass in Resurrection Cemetery, Danville, IL. Sunset Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Danville is assisting the family with arrangements. Information is available at www.sunsetfuneralhome.com . In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Schlarman Academy or St. Paul's Church.

Visitation Jan 17, 2017 Tuesday, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM St. Paul's Catholic Church 1303 N. Walnut Avenue Danville, Illinois 61832 Service Jan 17, 2017 Tuesday, 11:00 AM St. Paul's Catholic Church 1303 N. Walnut Avenue Danville, Illinois 61832 Final Resting Place Resurrection Cemetery 818 Wendt Ave Danville, IL 61832