Obituary: Grace O’Rourke, 86, Of Bethel

Information and Photo Courtesy Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home

BETHEL, CT — Grace O’Rourke of Bethel passed away peacefully on Feb. 28, 2024.

She is predeceased by her parents, Ruth and Vincent, and her brother, Allan.

A native of Brooklyn, Grace relocated to Connecticut in 1982 with the opening of Union Carbide Corporate headquarters. She was instrumental in establishing Union Carbide’s presence in Danbury, and retired as executive assistant to the president of the Minerals Division.

Grace was an active participant in community affairs throughout the Danbury area, volunteering in an array of activities. She was particularly prized as an election official and eagerly served in every election since her retirement.

An avid traveler, Grace enjoyed her many adventures both throughout the United States and abroad. She spoke fondly of summers at Breezy Point, NY and Cape May, NJ, and winters spent skiing with friends at Belleayre Mountain and throughout the Northeast.

Grace accumulated an extensive collection of glass and porcelain and was considered an expert in Fenton glass. She was a talented artist with an especially keen eye, making her oil paintings treasured acquisitions. She was multitalented.

A self-taught genealogist, Grace served as the family historian. She was devoted to her family and never missed a family gathering.

Grace O’Rourke leaves behind a legacy of devotion to family, friends, and community. She will be deeply missed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, March 15, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. in the Church of St. Mary, 26 Dodgingtown Road, Bethel. Interment will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at St. Charles Cemetery, East Farmingdale, NY at 11 a.m.

Friends will be received in the Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9 Granville Ave., Danbury on Friday from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.