O'Rourke, Catherine M. of Boston, MA and Bradenton, FL, died peacefully on October 23, 2011, after a period of failing health. As was her wish, she was surrounded by family and friends at the time of her death. She was born the daughter of Michael J. and the late Patricia Collins O'Rourke in Providence, RI, on September 18, 1958. In addition to her father and stepmother, Irene O''Rourke, she is survived by a son, Brad Smith, of Klamath Falls, OR; three brothers: Michael O'Rourke of Sebastian, FL, Edward O'Rourke of South Kingstown, RI, and Brian O'Rourke of Butte, MT; a sister, Mary O'Rourke of N. Andover, MA; two stepbrothers and two stepsisters; and eleven nephews and nieces.
A graduate of St. Patrick High School and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School, Catherine began her career as an executive secretary at Old Stone Bank in Providence, RI. After relocating to Boston, she occupied positions of increased responsibilities with companies such as Teradyne and Turner Revis. At the age of twenty-nine, she started her own firm, Rourke & Company, specializing in high-tech public relations. After expansion to include offices in Silicon Valley, CA and London, England, the firm was sold, freeing her to act as a PR consultant until several years ago. During her tenure at the firm, Catherine was the subject of several newspaper and magazine articles which highlighted her achievements as a young, innovative and successful female CEO. Blessed with grace, self-confidence, tenacity and a keen sense of humor, as well as occasional blunt honesty, Catherine's outgoing and charismatic personality was her hallmark. She once characterized herself as flamboyant, and sometimes even brash, but never disrespectful. Extraordinarily giving of herself and of her resources, her assertive, matter-of-fact business style often masked an inner sensitivity toward others, which exemplified her somewhat enigmatic persona. She embodied joy, frivolity and a genuine love of life, and her presence alone enriched the lives of many people. Catherine will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing her. Funeral arrangements for Catherine are private. Messages of condolence may be sent to bradyfallon.com. Donations in her memory may be made to Selby Botanical Gardens, 811 South Palm Ave, Sarasota, Fl 34236, or Bishop Animal Shelter, 578 21st Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209.