Margaret "Peggy" Anne O'ROURKE

Margaret 'Peggy' Anne O'Rourke was born on January 1, 1955, in Chatham, Ontario, and passed away peacefully on March 27, 2026, at the age of 71, at Chatham Hospital. Peggy is predeceased by her father Bernard A. O'Rourke and mother Norma (Campbell) O'Rourke, as well as sister Colleen O'Grady. She leaves siblings Kathy Speers (Doug) of Barrie, Kevin of Ottawa, Mary Ann of Toronto, and Julia Goodfellow (Frank) of Parham. Also grieving are her nephews Brendan O'Grady, Jake Kennedy, and Franklin Goodfellow, and niece Erin O'Grady. Peggy was a nursing graduate from St. Lawrence college in Kingston and began her nursing career at Kingston General Hospital, and subsequently with Comcare, providing in-home IV therapy for community clients. In 1994, Peggy moved north to help operate the Phelpston General Store and Post Office. In 2004, Peggy and her mother returned to their Chatham roots to enjoy a shared retirement. Volunteering, bridge, church life and reuniting with family in the area allowed Peggy a chance to garden, build lasting friendships and contribute to her community through Riverview Gardens, genealogy projects, and meeting neighbours for dog walks with her beloved miniature schnauzer, Lucy. She volunteered with fundraising, funeral lunches, communion services, cemetery walks, restoration projects, and the Catholic Women's League. Family and friends will be received at the McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair St, Chatham, on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ursula's Catholic Church, 205 Tweedsmuir Ave West, Chatham, on April 1, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. All are welcome. Cremation is to take place with a private family burial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to Catholic Missions in Canada, Chatham Outreach for Hunger, or a charity of your choice in memory of Peggy.