Janet Louise Rourke of Nashua, passed away the evening of Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at the age of 84.
Janet was born on October 17, 1938 in Herrin, Illinois to Eleanor (Burke) and Harvey Hillman. While studying biology at Sioux Falls College in Sioux Falls, SD, she met her husband of 64 years, Bernard “Barry” Rourke. She and Barry lived in Minnesota, Massachusetts, New York City, Long Island and finally Nashua, NH where they resided for 55 years.
Beyond being a loving wife, homemaker and proud mother and grandmother, Janet cared for others working in hospitals and dialysis centers. She volunteered with the Junior Women of Nashua and at Nashua area food Co-Ops.
Janet loved nature and animals, particularly the birds she saw visiting the ocean, the lizards at her frequently-visited campground in Loxahatchee, Florida, and the many dogs she cared for throughout her life.
Janet was predeceased by her daughter Lenore and son-in-law Ken Relihan; her sister Harriet Lewis; and her brothers-in-law Olaf Jacobsen, Jim Halvey and Fred Dovidio. Janet is survived by her husband Barry; children Susan and David; daughter-in-law Susan; beloved grandchildren Shawn, Terry and his wife Kristina, Ian and Emma; sisters Donna Jacobsen and Merilyn Hillman; sister-in-law Florence Dovidio; brother-in-law Doug Lewis; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Janet’s name can be sent to the American Kidney Fund. A private celebration of her life will be held at a later date. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com Arrangements are in the care of the FARWELL FUNERAL SERVICE, 18 Lock Street, Nashua.
