Vera I (Steele) O'Rourke

Vera Irene (Steele) O’Rourke, 84, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 29, 2024 at Lakeview Manor in Tawas City, MI.

Vera was born on August 18, 1940 in Pontiac, MI to Roy and Neta Steele. Her family moved to Silverwood, MI where Vera met her neighbor and the love of her life, Patrick O’Rourke. They were married at SS Peter & Paul Catholic Church in North Branch on June 11, 1966. Together they raised 4 children.

Vera had a passion for education. She began her career as a high school business teacher, but later returned to school to obtain her elementary certification. She then began her long career as a beloved third grade teacher at North Branch Elementary school.

Upon her retirement, Vera enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends and most of all making memories with her 11 grandchildren.

Vera will be forever cherished by her son Steven (Elizabeth) O’Rourke of Clifford, MI; daughters Rebecca (John) Leonoff of Gladstone, MI; Michelle (Robert) Harris of Oviedo, FL; and Christine (Scott) Reynolds of Harrisville, MI; grandchildren Lucas, Jacob, and Anthony O’Rourke; Alex (Brooke) and Eric Leonoff; Tristan, Collin, and Danielle Harris; Cameron (Susan), Carson, and Kyle Reynolds; great granddaughter Vera Leonoff; and brother David (Kay) Steele, sisters-in-law, Gertrude Steele, Nancy O’Rourke, Charlene (Tom) Thieme, Rita Kelsey, Genevieve Mitchell, Sandy (Dale) Williams, brother-in-law, Robert O’Rourke, many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Neta Steele; brother Vernon Steele; and beloved husband, Patrick O’Rourke.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to North Branch Elementary School Library.

The family will be present for visitation on Thursday, October 3, 2024, 1:00 P.M,-8:00 P.M.at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. On Friday, October 4, 2024, visitation will be 10:00 A.M. -11:00 A.M. with funeral service at 11:00 A.M. at Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home. Deacon Peter Lynch will officiate. Vera will be laid to rest at Rich Township Cemetery next to her husband.

You may share an online condolence to the family at www.blackburnchapel.com

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

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