Harriet A O'Rourke

Born January 14, 1943 in Long Branch, New Jersey to Harry James and Helen Louise (White) Benson, she married Edward D. O'Rourke, Sr. November 10, 1962 in Asbury Park, New Jersey.  He died January 1, 2000 in Old Bridge, New Jersey.  She also was preceded in death by her parents.

Surviving are three sons, Edward D. (Karen) O'Rourke, Jr. of Hughesville, Maryland, Dennis O'Rourke and Michael P. (Alicia) O’Rourke, both of Kissimmee, Florida; one daughter, Colleen (William) Jarnagan of Pekin; seven grandchildren, Patrick O'Rourke of Clover, South Carolina, Kathleen Helen Jarnagan, Kirstie Mae Jarnagan, William Aidan Jarnagan, Connor Edward Jarnagan, all of Pekin, Emma Elizabeth Ann O'Rourke and Claire Victoria Drouard O'Rourke, both of Hughesville, New Jersey and one sister, Barbara Griffith of Bealeton, Virginia.

Harriet graduated from Long Branch High School in 1961 and the Red Bank Business Institute in 1962.Harriet was a homemaker and dearly loved her children and grandchildren.  She was an avid reader and follower of international affairs.  She also enjoyed traveling.

Her memorial Mass will be at 1 p.m. Friday, March 6, 2009 at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pekin.  Father W. Patrick Fixsen will officiate.    Burial will be in Woodbine Cemetery in Oceanport, New Jersey at a later date.  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.