Joan Barbara Werthman O'Rourke

Joan O'Rourke, 83 of Wilmette, died peacefully on April 24, 2017. Born June 7, 1933 in New York City, the fifth child of George and Lilian Doty. A trailblazer for her generation, Joan O'Rourke attained her Bachelor's Degree from Marymount Manhattan College, her Master's from Columbia University and her PhD from St. John's University. She spent most of her career in education. Originally married to Robert Werthman with whom she had 10 children, Dr. O'Rourke later married Peter Joseph O'Rourke of Glencoe who had 8 children of his own from a previous marriage. Joan and Peter lived in Wilmette for many years, moved to Palm Desert, California for 15 years, but returned to Wilmette permanently in 2009. Mrs. O'Rourke is survived by her husband, Peter, 8 children, 7 stepchildren, and dozens of grandchildren and great grandchildren. Funeral Mass 1:30pm Saturday April 29, 2017 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Churh in Wilmette and her interment will be at Woodlawn Cemetery in New York. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Joan Doty Werthman O'Rourke Endowed Scholarship Fund, Marymount Manhattan College, 221 East 71st Street, New York NY 10021, (212) 517-0460. Info Evanston Funeral & Cremation, Roland F. Weis director 847 866-8843

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joan Barbara Werthman O'Rourke, please visit our floral store.