Lenore Marie Rourke

Lenore lived her life proudly in Nebraska. Lenore Farritor was born in Merna, Nebraska.

Her proudest accomplishment, she said, “Was surviving the Great Depression”, especially difficult with weather and other challenges on a Nebraska farm. She said chasing after the clouds in the sky and her faithful dog “Uno” gave her joy in the hard times.

In 1945, immediately after WW II, she married her Custer County neighbor, Eugene Rourke. They started their family in Broken Bow, NE.

Eugene’s career in the Nebraska National Guard took the family of 6 to two other Nebraska cities, until Lenore and “Gene” settled in Lincoln. They stayed there through their retirement years and enjoyed an active bowling schedule.

Lenore worked hard and was committed to all her passion points, especially family, her Catholic faith, and Cornhusker sports including football and women’s basketball & volleyball.

Her wit was quick. She was a treasured muse and support to friends, family, and all who met her over her 100+ years.

And she was creative! Lenore was the gifted seamstress (designing her family’s wardrobe), the family photographer, the creative writer, and consistently won neighborhood awards for her manicured and imaginative yard.

Granddaughter Erin described her creativity in this way:

“Grandma’s creativity ran deep and touched every corner of her life. With a natural eye and gifted hands, she sewed clothes with care and intention, capturing her family’s love in every stitch. Behind the camera, she preserved moments others might have missed…family moments, everyday beauty. Her writing was thoughtful, her words chosen like seeds planted with meaning. Even her yard reflected her spirit…imaginative, welcoming, and lovingly kept, it bloomed with the same quiet elegance she carried through the world”.

Lenore was preceded in death by her husband-Eugene Rourke (1999), son-Terry, and daughter-Dee Anne (2024).

Lenore is survived by: Daughters: Cheryl Rourke-Lincoln, NE, Deborah Ellis (Barry)-Parker, CO; Grandson: Robert Ellis-Redwood City, CA, Granddaughters: Emily Russell (Trey)-Irving, TX, Erin Hill (Austin)-Parker, CO, Sarah Jacob (Chad)-Ionia, NY, Meghan Carlson (Peter)-Santa Barbara, CA, Kelly Bills (Pat)-Pacifica, CA

Lenore’s Legacy: All above + 9 awesome great grandchildren, 4 incredible great-great grandchildren

Funeral Plans: Visit www.Lincolnfh.com for additional details and resources

-July 7th, 5-7:00pm: Rosary & fellowship at Lincoln Memorial Chapel 6800 S 14th St, Lincoln, 68512

-July 8th, 10:00am: Celebration of Life Funeral Mass-St. John’s Catholic Church, 760 Vine St, Lincoln

-July 8th, 11:30am: Burial at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery

Immediately following: Lunch Reception & Gathering at Lincoln Memorial Reception Room

No flowers, please. Please consider a donation to Lenore’s favorite charities: St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, The Cat House-Lincoln, or plant a “life” celebrating tree or rose bush in Lenore Rourke’s honor. ❤️