Frances 'Fran' O'Rourke

Frances McCabe O’Rourke, 93, of Peterborough, NH, passed away peacefully at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Dublin, NH on Saturday, August 31, 2024.

‘Fran’ was born on September 19, 1930, in Harrison, NJ, a daughter of the late Austin and Julia (DeMichele) McCabe. After graduating from Harrison High in 1948, Fran began working at Otis Elevator. She also began a modeling career with the Barbizon agency from 1948 to 1951. When the Korean War draft began, two of Fran’s brothers were called up. She also enlisted and served in the Woman’s Army Corps, and while stationed at Fort Monroe Virginia, she met her forever love, Daniel Henry O’Rourke. They married in 1954 and moved to Dublin, NH before settling in Peterborough where they raised their six children.

Fran was a member of Saint Peter’s Parish and past President of the Women’s Guild. She and Dan were also a part of the Peterborough committee who created the Christmas Cotillion which was held at the Monadnock Country Club for many years. Fran was a member of the Cheney-Armstrong American Legion Post #5 for over 50 years and enjoyed hosting many dinners when her husband Dan was Commander. Along with her sister and brother-in-law, they purchased the ‘King of the Road Motel’ which became Jack Daniels, and Fran is also fondly remembered as the owner of Amanda’s Bridal Shop. 

Fran is predeceased by her husband, Dan; her brothers, Joseph, Thomas, James and Austin; her sisters, Loretta Gallagher and Margaret McCabe, and by her great granddaughter, Arden Rose Sawtelle.

She is survived by her sister, Jean Bullock of Naples, Florida, and sister-in-law, Sharon McCabe of Trenton, NJ; she also leaves behind her beloved children, Kathleen (Steve) Sawtelle of Stanford, Kentucky, Patricia (Dana) Hennessy of Dublin, NH, Maureen (Chip) Mann of Franklin, Tennessee, and Bristol, NH, Daniel (Joy) O’Rourke of Cameron, Montana, Carrie (Maurice) Glaude of Spring Hill, Tennessee, Terrence (Annika) O’Rourke of Nelson, NH, and her precious grandchildren, Jonathan (Kelly), Morgan (Scot), Ryan, Jeffrey (Meg), Ashley, Hillary (Gurgen), Colby (Mandy), Steven, Daniel (Alex), Harrison, Baxter (Maddy), Phoebe (Tristan), and her great- grandchildren, Austyn and Luke Sawtelle.

Honoring Fran’s wishes, her services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Fran’s name to either Cheney-Armstrong Post #5, Peterborough, NH 03458, or to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or to the White Heart Foundation, PO Box 291, Heber City, UT 84032.