Mary Helen O’Rourke, 80
Wells – Mary Helen O’Rourke, age 80, of Wells, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Sept. 6, 2023 at Parkview Care Center in Wells. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m., Father Greg Havel officiated. Nasinec Funeral Home in Wells was entrusted with arrangements. Please see www.nasinecfh.com to leave online condolences.
Mary Helen was born on Feb. 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 Feb. 20, 1971, and raised their five 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 six 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.