Carol O'Rourke (nee Coady)

She lived a life of grace, courage, and deep, abiding love for her family. We will forever be blessed that for all of our lives we felt her love and unconditional support.

Mom was born in Montreal on December 19, 1926, the youngest of three daughters of James and Gertie Coady, and died on Saturday November 21, 2020 at the Grace Hospital, Winnipeg. She was surrounded by the love of her family telling her over and over how much we loved her, holding her hand, and being present for her final earthly journey after a recent terminal cancer diagnosis. Mom was a good and faithful servant of her Roman Catholic faith. We have it on good authority that she was booked on the express elevator to heaven.

Predeceased by her loving husband of 59 years, Ralph; her parents, mother and father-in- law, Sam and Alice O’Rourke; her infant son Michael; her sisters and brothers-in-law Frances and Dave Williams and Brenda and Bill Ronald; sister- in- law and brother- in- law, Rita and Ken Hogan; and nephew Glenn Hogan.

Left to remember and treasure the memories are her children: Terry (Lynne), Colleen (Laurie Tomlinson), Dan (Gloria), Kellie, and Patrick. Grandchildren: Shannon (Ian Williams), Tammy, Reagan (Jon Saunders), Brendan and Emily (and their mother Sandy). Great grandchildren: Declan and Axel Williams, Gavin and Liam Saunders.

Mom will be dearly missed by her nieces: Linda (Alphonse) Ainsworth, Gail (Vince) Ellery, Patti (Mike) Falcioni, and Donna Hogan, and Nephews: Wayne (Lillian) Hogan, Glenn – deceased (Marlene) Hogan, Neil (Debbie) Hogan; and their families. Mom was well known for always sending cards (with cash enclosed for the little ones) for every special occasion, birthdays, anniversaries and holidays.

In 1956 Mom and Dad moved from Montreal to Winnipeg for Dad’s business. They arrived on a bitterly cold day in January with three young children (Terry, Colleen and baby Danny) in tow and moved into a house purchased sight unseen! Courageous indeed. In typical Mom fashion that house quickly became a home and her creative style and special touches made it a comfortable place to accommodate the growing family when two more children (Kellie and Patrick) arrived.

Over the years and a few house moves later, her great taste and interior design style, legendary table settings, holiday décor and festive menus made every new house a home and every event memorable.

Mom adopted her new community of Winnipeg and dedicated time and her special abilities as an active member of the Catholic Women’s’ League of St. John Brebeuf Parish and served two years as Secretary on the St. John Brebeuf school board. She was a member of the Ladies’ Guild of St Paul’s High School Auxiliary for 8 years and for 15 years she volunteered with the Canadian Arthritis and Rheumatism Society in honour of her father James, who suffered from this affliction. Mom helped in fundraising campaigns for Heart and Stroke, Cancer, a local community club and volunteered at the 1967 Pan Am Games.

She was an enthusiastic participant in special musical performances to support organizations and as a result of many at home rehearsals we all know every lyric and dance move to the Hawaiian “Hukilau”, among others. Mom had a great spirit, quick wit, and a wonderful sense of humor.

She joined Dad as an avid member of Southwood golf and Country Club where they enjoyed the game and the company of so many great friends at social events at the Club for many years.

Mom would say she had a good but ordinary life but tale be told, she always quietly went about demonstrating kindness and helping others at every turn. We think her life was far from ordinary.

Mom’s last three years were spent at The Portsmouth Retirement Residence and we wish to express our thanks to Jennifer Gray, Executive Director, and her team for making it a comfortable, enjoyable experience and especially for their diligence and commitment to keeping residents safe during these last nine challenging months.

Our family would like to thank The Grace Hospital and staff of 3 South for their care and compassion especially nurses Mitch, Ainsley, and Kristine. Special thanks to Dr. Ramin Hamedani for his ongoing care and support of Mom the past several years.

For Those I love and Those Who Loved Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go

I have so many things to see and do;

You mustn’t tie yourself to me with tears

Be happy that we had so many years.

I gave to you my love, you can only guess

How much you gave to me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown

But now it’s time I traveled alone

So grieve a while for me if grieve you must;

Then let your grief be comforted by trust

It’s only for a while that we must part,

So bless the memories within your heart.

I won’t be far away, for life goes on;

So if you need me, call and I will come,

Though you can’t see me or touch me, I’ll be near

And if you listen with your heart you’ll hear

All of my love around you soft and clear.

And then when you must come this way alone,

I’ll greet you with a smile and say,

“Welcome Home.”

In keeping with Mom’s wishes, cremation has taken place and her ashes buried beside Dad’s following a private family service officiated by dear family friend, Father Gerry Ward.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Mom’s name to Grace Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7 Phone: (204) 837-0375 Email: foundation @ggh.mb.ca