Theresa O’Rourke

Theresa O’Rourke

1920-2020

SIGOURNEY-Theresa Ellen O’Rourke, age 100, of Sigourney, died Monday, Dec. 7, 2020, at the Keokuk County Health Center in Sigourney.

Theresa was born Sept. 20, 1920, near Millersburg, Iowa, the daughter of Edward P. and Mary Elizabeth (Smyth) Lenaghan. She graduated from Webster High School. On May 22, 1946, she married Hugh O’Rourke at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Keswick. Theresa was a hard working farm wife and was known for her hospitality and delicious homemade meals, especially pie. She was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Keswick as well as St. Mary Catholic Church in Sigourney. Theresa was a member of the Altar and Rosary Society in both parishes. 

Survivors include seven children: Donna (Jack) Winegarden of South English, Paul (JoEllen) O’Rourke of Sigourney, Mick (Cathy) O’Rourke of Swisher, Martha (Gary) Mikesell of Webster, Kevin O’Rourke of Millersburg, Bill O’Rourke of North English and Dan (Kathleen) O’Rourke of Sigourney; 20 grandchildren and 45 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 49 years: Hugh in 1995; two infant sons: Hugh and Terry; three sisters: Mary Hammes, Patricia Sieren and Sister Rita Anne and three brothers: John (Gene) Lenaghan, Terry Lenaghan and Eddie Lenaghan. 

Private Family Funeral mass was held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 10,  at St. Mary Catholic Church in Sigourney, with Fr. Robert Lathrop officiating. The service was also livestreamed on the Powell Funeral Home facebook page. Burial was at Armah Cemetery in rural North English. Friends are welcome to attend the burial and visit afterwards, weather permitting, at approximately 12:30 p.m. Mask usage and social distancing are required.

In lieu of flowers, a general memorial fund has been established. Powell Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Sigourney is caring for Theresa and her family. Tributes may be made at Powell Funeral Home.