Mary Helen O’Rourke, age 80, of Wells, MN, passed away peacefully Wednesday, September 6, 2023 at Parkview Care Center in Wells, MN. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, September 11, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at 11:00 AM with Father Greg Havel officiating. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 10, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Easton, MN from 4:00-7:00 PM. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church on Monday. Burial will be in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Cemetery. Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells is entrusted with arrangements. Please see www.nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences.
Mary Helen was born on February 8, 1943 to Kate and Eddie Schimek of Easton. She grew up on the family dairy farm with her siblings who included older brothers Father Denny Schimek, Donny and younger siblings Kathy, Margie, and Skip. She attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel and graduated from Wells High School. She then received her nurse’s training at St. Mary’s and then worked as a Registered Nurse at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester. She went on to time with the Franciscan Order of Sisters, but ultimately, she chose to marry David O’Rourke and raise their five children on the farm.
David and Mary Helen were married on February 20, 1971, and raised their 5 kids on their farm near Walnut Lake. Once the kids were old enough, she went back and renewed her nursing credentials and enjoyed a “second half “to her nursing career. During this time, she was able to use her passion for helping others as a home health care RN. She was very active in helping establish the local home health and hospice care, helping to develop the program’s quality of care and coverage for the Blue Earth Area. She was very fond of her fellow nurses, many becoming close friends. When not helping others, Mary Helen’s interests included quilting, baking pies, traveling with Dave, being an election judge and all volunteer work.
Mary Helen and Dave were blessed with 6 grandchildren that they loved to spend time with. Sam and James Martin, Evan, Griffin and Logan Miller, and Lucia Vellutini all cherished their relationship with their grandma and will miss her very much.
Mary Helen is survived by her husband David; children: Jennifer (Ken Martin), Chuck, Katie (Mark Miller) Brian (Christine Coopet) and Nellie (Alan Vellutini); grandchildren: Sam and James Martin, Evan, Griffin and Logan Miller, and Lucia Vellutini; siblings: Marge Sonnek and Skip Schimek; along with many nieces, nephews and their families.
She is preceded in death by her parents and siblings Denny, Donny and Kathy.
So sorry for your loss. Mary Helen was such a sweet lady. I enjoyed seeing her when i worked at Parkview. Hugs & Prayers Dave and family.
I loved Mary Helen. Such a kind lady. She always wore her Mother Mary necklace. She knew God and was blessed in this life to be able to express it, even in later years. God bless Mary Helen and her family.
I spent time with Mary Helen and the Franciscan Sisters. She was a wonderful lady and full of fun. I was also able to visit Mary Helen in her home with a group of her friends. She was an inspiration in her acceptance of her Parkinson’s. My sympathy to all the family at your great loss. She is now at peace.
Dave, I am so sorry to hear about Mary Helen She was a very special and caring person. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Helen will be missed greatly! A more kind and gentle lady is rare to find! I enjoyed caring for her when I worked at Parkview and I always enjoyed the conversations! Rest with the Lord sweet, kind lady!
Mary Helen was a dear friend who I would identify as a hero. She accepted her illness and made the best of each day God gave her. I admire Dave for the tender loving care he gave her at home for many years. I will miss my dear friend and the beautiful smile she always greeted me with
Prayers and thoughts to your friends and family!
Skip and family. I’m very sorry to hear of your sister’s passing. Althought I did not know her personally, it is clear she was an accomplished women who dedicated her life to the well being of other and will be missed by many.
Mary Helen was a dear friend. I will treasure our visits over the years. I will truly miss her. Our condolences to Dave and family.
So very sorry for your loss. 🙏🙏
So sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories of Mary Helen as well as of the Schimek and O’Rourke families.
So sorry to hear of Mary Helen’s death. I am her cousin, Casey Higgins. My Mom, Agnes Hefner Higgins, was related to both Kate and Eddie. Don was married to my high school friend from Mapleton, Pat Shanahan Schimek. In grade school in Easton, Mary Helen was in the class behind me, frequently in the same classroom. She followed me to St. Mary’s School of Nursing, so we were together there for two years.
As kids, we spent quite a lot of time together. We loved to go to their farm. We loved that whole family! All so fun and kind! I have thought of Mary Helen frequently in the past several years. She was an inspiration.
My deepest condolences to the family
So sorry for your loss… sending prayers.