Susan Jane O’Rourke
Susan Jane O’Rourke of Westhampton Beach died at her home on June 19 surrounded by family and close friends. She was 52.
Ms. O’Rourke was born on September 6, 1959, in Mineola to Tom and Jane (née Merrick) Johnson, the oldest of three children. Her family moved to Hampton Bays in 1966.
Ms. O’Rourke graduated from Hampton Bays High School in 1977 and then went on to earn an associate’s degree in office technologies from the State University of New York at Cobleskill in 1979.
She was employed by the Village of Westhampton Beach Building Department as a confidential secretary, and served as office manager for O’Rourke Construction Company. She was an active resident of Westhampton Beach for more than 25 years, and enjoyed spending time at her ski house in Ludlow, Vermont.
Well known for her huge heart, Ms. O’Rourke had a passion for rescuing shelter dogs, with a particular soft spot for Rottweilers, survivors said. She was a voracious reader and many relied on her for book recommendations.
Ms. O’Rourke is survived by two children, Tyler O’Rourke and Connor O’Rourke (sons of Michael O’Rourke); her mother, Jane Johnson of Hampton Bays; twin brothers, Thomas Johnson of Connecticut and John Johnson of Northport; one niece, five nephews, 10 cousins and many friends.
The family received friends at the Follett and Werner Funeral Home in Westhampton Beach, followed by a reception at Ms. O’Rourke’s home. Charitable donations in Ms. O’Rourke’s name are being accepted by WagginTrainRescue.org and SouthamptonAnimalShelter.com.