Obituary of Barbara O'Rourke

BARBARA O’ROURKE, (aka) RUTH MARY O’ROURKE

January 17, 1932 - October 15, 2023

Barbara O’Rourke was called home to our Lord surrounded by many of her children and grandchildren after a sudden and brief illness on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Born to her loving parents as an only child in the Bronx, New York, she graduated from high school and began working in the insurance industry. Barbara soon met the love of her life at a community dance and married John Michael O’Rourke on October 10, 1953. They greeted three girls and three boys before moving to Manalapan, NJ in 1965. They welcomed their seventh and last child, a daughter, a year later.

Barbara and John provided a wonderful upbringing for their children. They taught them the love of God and respect for humanity which has resulted in a blessed life for them all. Barbara lost her beloved John suddenly in 1982 when he was 52 years young. Her faith, determination, and sheer will enabled her to continue to raise, love, and support them all into adulthood.

She became very active in various senior community groups and activities. She loved her involvement with the Manalapan Senior Center and all of the wonderful friends she made there over the years. Additionally, she developed a group of friends she traveled with and played weekly cards with at the Covered Bridge Community. She was so happy and grateful for all of it.

Barbara loved her family more than anything. She was the life of every party! Barbara is survived by her loving seven children, their partners, and spouses;  John (Jan), Kerry, Susan (Len), Keith (Yelena), Christopher, Patrice (Sal), and Amy (Mike).  She is also survived by her adored grandchildren, Kim (Kent), Christine (Danny), Cari (Rick), Amber (Rich), Nicholas, Madison (Ethan), and Grace, in addition to her niece Tina (Christopher). She was also blessed with great-grandchildren, Gemma, Weston, Damon (Kim and Kent), Everett (Cari and Rick), and more on the way.  

Friends and family are invited to visit on Thursday, October 19^th, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Freeman Manalapan Marlboro Funeral Home, 344 Route 9 North.  A funeral liturgy will be held at St. Thomas More Roman Catholic Church on Friday at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at St. Rose of Lima Cemetery.  All are invited to a repast and refreshments after the funeral service at The Knights of Columbus in Englishtown.  To leave a condolence or find directions, visit www.freemanfuneralhomes.com