Obituary for Essie Ritchie Rourke (Knox)
ROURKE, Essie Ritchie (nee Knox)
Passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at the age of 81. Loving and devoted wife of James “Jim” Rourke for 56 years. Essie was and will always be Jim’s “Lady in Red”. Cherished mother of Tina McAvella (Christopher), Ritchie Rourke (Margaret Gibson) and David Rourke (April). Proud grandmother of Justin Rourke, Amanda Rourke, Hailey Rourke, Alison McAvella, Graham McAvella, Christopher Gibson and Nathan Gibson. Predeceased by siblings Eileen (Jim) and Jimmy (late Doris), dear nephew Jimmy Jr. and nieces Julie and Kim. Essie was a lovely woman who will also be dearly missed by the extended Knox and Rourke families as well as numerous friends.
Essie deeply valued her family and friends both in Canada and Ireland. From Belfast to Montreal to Burlington, she nurtured deep relationships and worked hard to ensure she kept in touch. In more recent years, this was not possible due to diminishing health. Please know that in her final months she mentioned all the names and times that meant so much to her.
To the end, through her actions, Essie reminded us of the power of a strong, loving marriage and what it means to bring family together in both good and challenging times.
As per Essie’s wishes, Private Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Essie to Joseph Brant Hospital or a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
In life her company our greatest pleasure.
In death her memory our greatest treasure.
Passed away peacefully at Joseph Brant Hospital in Burlington on Thursday, October 1, 2020 at the age of 81. Loving and devoted wife of James “Jim” Rourke for 56 years. Essie was and will always be Jim’s “Lady in Red”. Cherished mother of Tina McAvella (Christopher), Ritchie Rourke (Margaret Gibson) and David Rourke (April). Proud grandmother of Justin Rourke, Amanda Rourke, Hailey Rourke, Alison McAvella, Graham McAvella, Christopher Gibson and Nathan Gibson. Predeceased by siblings Eileen (Jim) and Jimmy (late Doris), dear nephew Jimmy Jr. and nieces Julie and Kim. Essie was a lovely woman who will also be dearly missed by the extended Knox and Rourke families as well as numerous friends.
Essie deeply valued her family and friends both in Canada and Ireland. From Belfast to Montreal to Burlington, she nurtured deep relationships and worked hard to ensure she kept in touch. In more recent years, this was not possible due to diminishing health. Please know that in her final months she mentioned all the names and times that meant so much to her.
To the end, through her actions, Essie reminded us of the power of a strong, loving marriage and what it means to bring family together in both good and challenging times.
As per Essie’s wishes, Private Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life will be held for family and friends at a later date. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Essie to Joseph Brant Hospital or a charity of your choice would be sincerely appreciated by the family.
In life her company our greatest pleasure.
In death her memory our greatest treasure.