MaryEllen (Dolan) O’Rourke, 64, of Worcester died Sunday, October 5th at home. She leaves her husband of 39 years, James P. O’Rourke; three daughters, Maureen Elliott and her husband, Matthew of Douglas, Colleen Jacobson and her husband, Jeffrey of Boylston, and Christa O’Rourke of Worcester; her mother, Ellen (Daly) Dolan of Worcester; three brothers, Arthur Dolan, Dennis Dolan and Kevin Dolan all of Worcester; a sister, Kathleen Daigle of Holden; a sister-in-law, Shirley (O’Rourke) Lombardozzi and her husband, Paul of East Falmouth; three grandchildren, Jenna Elliott, Elijah Jacobson and Benjamin Elliott and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by a brother, Stephen Dolan.
She was born in Worcester the daughter of Arthur Dolan. MaryEllen graduated from Marian High School and earned her bachelor and master degrees from Worcester State University. She was a lifetime parishioner of Our Lady of the Angels Church. Mrs. O’Rourke worked for the Worcester Public Schools for 30 years as an English as a Second Language Teacher, retiring in 2013. She previously worked at Our Lady of the Angels School as a third grade teacher and then as a part-time reading teacher. MaryEllen enjoyed reading, gardening, cooking, baking, seasonal home decorating, shopping and attending adoration. One of her greatest joys was bringing family together for warm, loving holiday celebrations.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Vincent Hospital, St. Vincent Cancer and Wellness Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and the VNA Hospice for the compassion and care MaryEllen received during her illness.
Her funeral is Thursday, October 9th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of the Angels Church, 1222 Main Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, 260 Cambridge Street. Calling hours are Wednesday, October 8th from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or memorial contributions may be made to St. Vincent Cancer and Wellness Center, One Eaton Place, Worcester, MA 01608.