Lorene O'Rourke, 93, of Du Quoin, passed away at 8:12 A.M., Friday, December 9, 2022 at her residence.
Lorene had worked in the office at P.R. Mallory and Du Quoin Packing Company. She then went to work at Southern Illinois University in 1968 as a supervisor of accounts receivable. Lorene became head of housing at SIU. She also taught some classes at the Carbondale Rebound Center in the early 1980's. Lorene really loved being able to help so many young people. She always loved all the students who came into her office to work as student workers, many still send her cards and pictures of their children. One of her proudest moments was in May of 1982 when she received her degree from SIU. Lorene was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Du Quoin. She was also a member of the United Methodist Women's Club and a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Auxiliary. Lorene was a member of the DDE Club, a community service club. She was also a member of Triple H Club and Perry County Home Extension.
She was born October 27, 1929 in Buckner, IL, the daughter of Mike and Bernice (Cockram) Porro.
She married James H. O'Rourke on October 7, 1951 in Sesser, IL and he preceded her in death on April 2, 1991.
She is survived by one daughter - Mary Furlow and husband Lester of Du Quoin, one son - David O'Rourke and wife Kathy of Du Quoin, seven grandchildren - Sean Furlow and wife Iwona of Bloomingdale, Jason Furlow and wife Rebecca of Du Quoin, Blake Furlow and wife Sarah of Du Quoin, David S. O'Rourke and wife Joanne of Du Quoin, Angie Shively of Du Quoin, Josie Blasdel and husband Justin of O'Fallon, IL, and Brandie Smally and husband David of O'Fallon, MO, nineteen great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, three sister - JoAnn Slack of Zeigler, Sara Bean of Mt. Vernon, and Kathy Hankins of Marion, and special friend - Marlene Wolfe.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two grandchildren - Jamie Lorene Furlow and Dustin Wade Furlow.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 P.M., Sunday, December 18, 2022 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Rev. Kurt Jensen officiating.
Friends may call from Noon until the time of service on Sunday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the Sunset Memorial Park in Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to the Perry County Humane Society or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.