Claire R. O’Rourke
January 21, 1942 – May 30, 2019
Claire Richards O’Rourke, 77, of Boonville, NY and more recently Richmond, VA, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2019 with her loving husband of nearly 55 years, Jim, by her side.
Claire was born on January 21, 1942 to Joseph and Anna Richards. She graduated from Sauquoit Valley School in 1960. She graduated from Catholic University in Washington, DC where she met James O’Rourke and they married in August 1964. She furthered her education at SUNY Cortland, preparing her for a life of teaching English in the SUNY system. Claire also started and managed a career as a real estate broker and co-owner of Century 21 Gentry Real Estate in Boonville for over 20 years.
Claire’s greatest joy was socializing with friends and family, as well as spending time quilting, painting, and reading books. She especially enjoyed her grandchildren and watching them participate in school and community activities. Claire was immensely proud of all of her children and grandchildren and leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love.
Claire is also survived by all five of her children, their spouses, and 10 grandchildren. Tom (Edie) O’Rourke of Boonville and their children, Matthew, Kevin and Ryan; Michael (Jeremy Carling) O’Rourke of Minneapolis, MN; Anne Stephenson (Kyle) of Richmond, VA and their children, Kyle, Julia and Warrick; James Jr. (Emily) O’Rourke of Contoocook, NH and their children, Liam and Thea; Patrick (Ruth) O’Rourke of Silver Spring, MD and their children, Cullan and Makena. Claire is also survived by her sister, Joanne Richards Byrnes and her husband Bob of New Hartford, NY. She was predeceased by her parents Joseph and Anna Richards.
The family will receive guests on Sunday, June 9th from 5 – 7 pm at Affinity Funeral Service, located at 2720 Enterprise Parkway, Richmond VA 23294. A funeral service will be held at Affinity Funeral Service on Monday, June 10th at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at Mount Vernon Memorial Park in Glen Allen, VA. A mass on behalf of her soul will be offered at Christ Our Hope Catholic parish in Boonville NY, at a date to be determined. The family is eternally grateful for the compassionate care provided by Bon Secours Hospice, and requests any donations to be made to Bon Secours Community Hospice House, 1133 Old Bon Air Road, Richmond, VA 23235.
Claire Richards and Frank Sullivan struck up a friendship in French Class at CUA. Jim O’Rourke pledged ADG fraternity; he and Frank became friends; When Jim applied for citizenship, Frank was his sponsor. From these beginnings came a decades-long friendship. Trips to Boonville, trips to Maryland, trips to Richmond happened over the years. We said what was to be our final goodbye to Claire on June 19th, on Cambridge Drive.
What a wonderful picture of Claire! It captures her enthusiasm, her directness, and the fundamental honesty that undergirded her readiness to engage life — the good and the bad. Our deepest sympathy to Jim, and to Tom, Michael, Anne, Jummer, and Patrick.
Rosemary and Frank Sullivan.
Condolences from Laurie and Peter Cecconi. Very sorry for your loss. Mr.O’Rourke and Mrs.O’Rourke will always be remembered by Laurie and I.
Ellen-Jane Klauser Pairo (EJ) lived across the hall from Claire all four yeas at CUA. She and Aileen Orvis Erbacher were bridesmaids at Claire and Jim’s wedding. We helped them move back to Sauquoit, but did not see them much after that because EJ does not tolerate the cold. Letters and phone calls over the years kept us together. So glad we had dinner with them on May 15th. I must agree with Frank Sullivan on the wonderful picture of Claire.
Our sympathy, lots of hugs, to Jim and to Joanne, to the children and to the grandchildren.
We’re so sad to hear the news of Claire’s passing. Mick really enjoyed her company when he visited herself and Jimmy in Boonville when he was a young lad.
We really enjoyed Claire and Jimmy when they visited us in Waterford, Ireland. She was a great communicator, and brought people together with a warmth and humour that was second to none. She’ll be sadly missed. We’re very sorry for your loss.
Paul and Helen Burke were so sorry for your loss Jim and family. We had thr pleasure of meeting Claire when she visited Waterford with Jim. She was a lovely lady and great company.
So sorry to hear of the passing of Claire my mam Ann ó Callaghan from waterford Ireland spoke fondly about her through the years thinking of you Jimmy and your family at this sad time sending you our love and prayers from here in waterford ireland
I am deeply sorry for the loss of Clare. Growing up in Sauquoit with her and her sister Joanne, hold wonderful childhood memories. In a trip to Richmond to visit my son, I tried to connect with her, only to her the shocking news of her passing.
My deepest sympathy go out to her family. May her soul Rest In Peace
Heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Clair she was one of the first I met in the Boonville area and helped me buy my first home. She always had a beautiful smile when I saw her.
God bless your family,Jim, and May He grant you strength in this sorrowful time!! Claire was a wonderful,loving wife,mother, and friend! Her heart was filled with goodness and compassion. She will be greatly missed! She is at peace now and is sharing in the glory and splendor of God! She now has all the answers to all the questions we mortals can only ponder. Rest In Peace, dear Claire, for a life well served!
Claire and Jim were friends of ours in college. Although we lost touch over the years, I saw Claire for an afternoon about a year ago. It was so good to reconnect and to share memories as if we had seen each other many times. I had hoped to see her again. She was always a cheerful and warm. I know her family will miss her. We’re so sad to hear of her passing. We send Jim and the family our deepest condolences.
My heart is heavy for all of you at this moment. I fortunately had a very lovely visit a few months ago while she was purchasing greeting cards. I am thankful now that I brought up the fact that she looked familiar to me and we had that conversation. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with all that loved her though this difficult time.
Condolences from Michael LaBuz and Kathlene Loconti – We are very sorry for your loss – Growing up in Lewis County and graduating with Michael – I know that the O’Rourke family is very close
Dear Jim and family,
So sad to hear of the passing of your beloved wife, Claire. Thinking of you back here in Lewis County and sending prayers your way. May perpetual light shine upon her always.
Robert Allen, NY State Police (Retired)
Condolences to you Jim and your family. I met Claire many years ago at her mothers house as Anna was in Amway with my late husband and I for many years. We always talked about my 4 children and some of the things they had accomplished. I remember Anna telling me about her grandson Tom, who was visiting her and he fell off the stone wall in front of her house. Then he came in the house and yelled at her for not watching him; then he would not have fallen off the wall. I enjoyed visiting with Claire when ever she was at Anna”s when I was picking up Amway. I have been a widow for almost 23 years now and live alone in the house we bought in 1962. I do not sell Amway only order what I want to use my self as I just had my 93rd birthday.
So sorry to hear about Claire.She was always a sweet person.