Joan Kathleen O'Rourke

Joan Kathleen (Garrity) O'Rourke, age 86 of Fairfield, beloved wife of Robert Kenneth O'Rourke passed away peacefully in her home Tuesday, July 28, 2015. Born June 10, 1929 in Bridgeport, the daughter of the late Frank and Florence (Signor) Garrity
she had been a Fairfield resident for most of her life. Joan was an active member of the Fairfield community; she served as the Registrar of Voters for 30 years, and was the longest serving elected official in history of the town. She was a past member Fairfield Republican Woman's Club, The Republican Town Committee, the Gaelic American Club, Grasmere, Tomlinson, and Ludlowe PTAs, and the Ludlowe Touchdown Club. Mrs. O'Rourke was previously employed by Southern New England Telephone Co., CT National Bank, & D.M. Reads. Joan was the recipient of the Myrtle Miller Loyalty Award honored by General Assembly with a special citation. She was also honored by a special citation from past Governor M. Jodi Rell for service as Registrars of Voters. She loved walking on the beach taking sunrise pictures, knitting, watching sports especially the Mets. In addition to her loving husband Ken she is survived by her beloved sons, Patrick, Michael and his wife Michele, Sean and his wife Judy, and John and his wife Cindy. Grandchildren, Michael Jr, Daniel, Kaitlin, Stephanie, Chloe, Patrick, Connor, Jack, Seamus, Aidan, Timothy and Matthew and one great grandson Tylor Carfo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. William Sangiovanni on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Thomas Aquinas Church, 1719 Post Road, Fairfield. Interment will be private. Friends may greet the family Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Swim Across the Sound, 2800 Main Street, Bridgeport, CT 06606. For information or to sign an online guest register please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com