Ann "Nancy" O'Rourke

Ann “Nancy” O’Rourke, 75, of Pearl River, NY passed away on January 28th after a long battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving family and friends. Nancy fought her illness the way she lived her life – with grace and courage.

Born in New York City in 1939 to the late Bernard and Kathleen Boyle, Nancy was a graduate of the Visitation School in the Bronx and the State University of New York at Potsdam. Nancy worked in the Bronx as a New York City schoolteacher for over 30 years. She was the proud mother of Eileen, Brian (Michele) and Suzanne (Kevin) and the beloved grandmother of Tommy, Christopher, Brian, Katie, Michael, Emma, Kayla, Kate and Taylor. Nancy was adored by her sister Kathie, her fiancé Fred Schlueck and numerous nieces and nephews. She is survived by her former husband Edward O’Rourke.

Nancy delighted in a good joke, a good party and a day at the beach. She never stayed home on New Year’s Eve or Saint Patrick’s Day, and was always up for a prank. Nancy loved life and everything it had to offer, and she never suffered from taking things too seriously.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, January 30 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Services, 321 South Main Street, New City, NY 10956. (845) 634-6110. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, January 31 at 10 am at the Church of the Presentation, 271 West Saddle River Rd, Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458. (201) 327-1313. Burial will immediately follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, 310 Rockland Lake Road, Congers, NY 10920.

Nancy was a lifelong teacher who believed in helping children to achieve their dreams. Her family has requested that those thinking of sending flowers to her memorial may instead honor her lifelong wish by making a donation to the Make a Wish foundation in Nancy's memory at hudson.wish.org. (914) 478-9474.