Nancy Elizabeth O’Rourke

CUMBERLAND – Nancy Elizabeth O’Rourke, 66, of Cumberland, Maine, passed away on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, surrounded by her family. A lifelong nurturer, she will be remembered for how much love she exuded in everything she did.

Nancy was born in Norfolk, Va. in 1958 to Judith and Paul Weyand, who were overjoyed at her arrival. Nancy lived a majority of her life in New England with her siblings, Peter Weyand, Cynthia Weyand Vega, and Polly Finlay. Nancy attended Simsbury High School and then pursued her life-long dream of becoming a teacher. She studied Elementary Education at Lesley University, earned a Master’s in Literacy Education from University of Maine, and was a National Board Certified Teacher.

Fondly remembered as “Mrs. “O’,” by her students, coworkers and family alike, Nancy’s passion for teaching young students left a lasting impact. From 1988 through her retirement in 2021, she taught over 900 children at Cathedral Elementary School, Mabel I. Wilson School, and as a private tutor. She specialized in reading instruction, raising the next generation of readers.

Nancy met the love of her life, Jim O’Rourke, whom she affectionately called “O”, in 1975 in Simsbury, Conn. They spent the next 50 years building a life and family together, marrying in 1983 before relocating to Maine, which they made home. Nancy and Jim, together, were each other’s greatest champions; they also embraced having fun together at every opportunity, from late nights playing cards to maximizing every Christmas with the kids with an abundance of love and joy.

In addition to her mother, siblings and husband, Nancy is survived by her beloved children: her daughter, Kristen O’Rourke Rotherham, and her son, Tyler O’Rourke. Her children cherish all the nights and weekends she spent cheering them on from the side of the pool deck and the soccer field, and her dedication to never missing a single event in their lives. She spent her summer vacations devoted to giving her kids the most memorable and loving family time at the lake, where she was often spotted picking blueberries, crafting, or reading a book on the beach. In 2016, Nancy became “Grammy”, which she treasured. She took great joy in watching her grandchildren’s wonder as she introduced them to the world, whether it was building fairy houses on Mackworth Island, baking, or snuggled up to read on the porch.

Nancy will always be remembered for her compassionate spirit. She gave all of herself to her loved ones, her students and her friends. She found both little and big ways to help and support the people around her, making sure they felt loved. Being a wife, a mom, and a teacher were the roles she was most proud of. Any time she saw her children, she made sure to hug them and remind them how amazing she thought they were. Nancy will be missed every day, but her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her and those she taught.

To honor Nancy’s wishes, there will be no public service. The family invites you to commemorate her life in your own way, knowing that her spirit will live on with her family. To celebrate Nancy’s lifelong dedication to teaching reading.

In lieu of flowers,

donations to:

I’m Your Neighbor Books (https://imyourneighborbooks.org/donate/)

are appreciated