Obituary of Emily 'Beulah' Mary Rourke

ROURKE: On July 3, 2016, at the age of 95, Emily Mary (Beulah) Rourke passed away peacefully at Fairview Home with her family by her side. Emily was born on January 22, 1921 to Sophia and Welhelm Hinsburg of the McEachern District in Saskatchewan. Later the family moved to their farmstead at Rapid City, Manitoba where Emily and her siblings grew up. She was one of nine children having five brothers and three sisters. Emily acquired the nickname "Beulah" from a French teacher in her school who was unable to pronounce "Emily." This nickname stayed with her throughout her life. On April 22, 1942, Emily married William (Bill) Rourke and moved to the Rourke family farmstead in Moline, Manitoba. Daughter Carol was born in 1944 and daughter Linda was born in 1947. Bill and Emily relocated their family to Brandon in 1949 where Bill was employed at the Brandon Mental Hospital until his retirement. Emily took in boarders to help support the family and later worked for Chrest's Dry Cleaners and Fred's Dry Cleaners until her retirement. Emily and Bill were married for 59 years before Bill's passing in 2001. Emily was full of enthusiasm and energy and her work ethic was stellar. She was the matriarch of the family. She loved to cook and host her family and friends. Emily was well known for her hospitality and culinary skills. Her butter tarts were especially delicious and were always the delight of her guests. Emily was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, Royal Canadian Legion #3. She enjoyed playing bingo and visiting with friends and family. Bill and Emily enjoyed summers at their cabin at Sandy Lake where many memories were made with their family and friends. Emily was predeceased by her husband Bill and grandson Daniel Attridge. She is survived by her daughter Carol Rourke of Brandon and daughter Linda (Bob) Usunier of Brandon. She and her son-in-law, Bob, shared a special bond. She is also survived by her grandson Bob (Susan) Horwood, step-granddaughter Jane Usunier (Brad Babiuk) of Grand Prairie, Alberta and great grandchildren Dallas Attridge, Payten Attridge, Jasmine Horwood, Bennett Babiuk and Jaxson Babiuk, her brother Edward (Margaret) Hinsburg of Rapid City, sister-in-law Evelyn Rourke of Brandon and numerous nieces and nephews. A private Funeral Service to honour and celebrate Emily's life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday, July 8, 2016, followed by interment at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers were Bob Usuiner, Ray Usunier, Rayna Robertson, and Melvin Clack. For those desiring, donations may be made in Emily's memory to the charity of one's choice.