Darlene O'Rourke

Darlene was born Friday, December 29, 1950 at St. Anthony’s General Hospital, in The Pas, Manitoba, to Dorothy and Roy Sanderson. Darlene was raised in The Pas, and at the age of twenty, she met and married Daniel Patrick O’Rourke. Together, they had three children; James Patrick, Darla-Jean, and Dena Joyce. Mom enjoyed spending time with her loved ones and would often engage in conversation with people she met. She appreciated listening to the vocals of Elvis Presley and recently had entertained the idea of making her way to Las Vegas, Nevada to see Tina Turner and Cher. Highlights of the year would be those days that involved the planning and execution of birthday parties for her children and, traveling with dad be it a cruise around town or a trip abroad. It gave her great pleasure to be able to shop for her gift giving and for dad, he jokingly admits that “mom was a complicated lady” and “it was always 5 o’clock somewhere”, someone’s birthday, wedding, anniversary or new baby that mom was compelled to wrap a gift for. She was a strong lady, and it clearly showed in her will to live, readiness to shop, and undoubtedly knew she had the love and support of her husband (fistful of dollars). Mom was simply an honest, compassionate person who believed the good in people would prevail! After many years of suffering from heart disease, Darlene succumbed to her illnesses on Thursday, June 20, 2013. Darlene’s life lived may serve as a reminder to us all of the importance of health matters. She will be sadly missed by all who knew her, God bless her soul. Darlene is survived by her husband Dan; son James (Gina) and their children Danielle, Trinity, Jamie, Carley, Roshelle, Darlena-Rose; daughter Darla-Jean and her son Taylor; daughter Dena and her sons Cody, Kale (Jenny); mother Dorothy; brothers George (Lena), Wilfred (Diane); brothers-in-law Kevin (Pam), Michael (Alison); sisters-in-law Maureen (Ron), Geraldine (Wayne), Teresa, Karen (Gerald), Sharon (Marc), Patricia (Kelly). She is also survived by her Aunty Rose and Uncle Philip Ballantyne, and numerous relatives and friends. Darlene was predeceased by her father Roy; sister Dorothy; brother David; uncle Samuel Engen; aunt Mary & uncle Murray McKenzie; aunt Emma & uncle Aaron Engen; cousins Margaret Ducharme, Leonard Engen, Linda Bauer, Glen Ducharme and most treasured cousin Arlene Joyce Runions-“Sis”. Prayers and visitation were held Monday, June 24, 2013 at the Margaret Henderson Parish Hall, Opaskwayak, Manitoba and Tuesday, June 25, 2013 at the Chapel of Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas, Manitoba. The funeral service was held Wednesday, June 26, 2013, 1:00 pm at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Cathedral, under the auspices of Christ Church Anglican, The Pas, Manitoba with Rev. Michael Dickens presiding. Music ministry was provided by Rochelle Rydberg. Memories of the heart were shared by Geraldine Kennedy and Dena O'Rourke. Scripture readings were proclaimed by April Baker and Sharon Sutton. Interment followed at Lakeside Cemetery, The Pas, Manitoba œ PALLBEARERS Trevor Polischuk, Derrick Sanderson, Clinton Sanderson, Darryl Bauer, Dean Dorion, Brodie O’Rourke. HONORARY PALLBEARERS Carol Slawson, Alice Fedje, Yvonne McKenzie, Donna Nabess, Eileen Rock, Jan Zetterstrom, Tara & Sonya Ducharme, Corine Wyatt, Juanita Cote. If friends so desire, donations to The Pas Health Complex Foundation, Inc., Memorial Fund, Palliative Care Division, Box 541, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K4, would be appreciated by Darlene’s family.