Dorothy Harriett O’Rourke (nee Engelland) passed away at the age of 88, in St. Louis, Jan. 13, 2024.
Dorothy (meaning a ‘Gift from God’— we feel was quite poignant) was born on July 12, 1935, to Gus and LaVaughn Engelland of Kirkwood.
She graduated from Kirkwood High School in 1953 and then worked at her father’s bank until her first marriage to Jerrold Hawkins in 1954. Her three children were so blessed to have her — Steven, Stanley and Gena.
Dorothy opted to pursue her collegiate degree as a single mom and made it a point to save all of her studies until after her kids were in bed. She proudly graduated Magna Cum Laude and received her college degree from Maryville University in 1974.
Many first and third grade children loved having Mrs. Hawkins, soon-to-be O’Rourke, at Stanton Elementary in the Rockwood School District. Teaching those young, tender hearts was her calling. She taught for over 20 years and continued to get together with her fellow teachers and hear from her former students until her final days.
In 1976, Dorothy married George Michael O’Rourke and on the weekends, those two treasured their time ‘in the country.’ Once retired, Dorothy and George settled in Bland, raised cattle (Dorothy named each one), farmed hay, and loved traveling.
Dorothy served in an officer capacity for many non-profit organizations. She was president of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, secretary/treasurer of the Bland Road Patrol, and secretary/treasurer for Bland Zion Church. After moving to Sedalia, in 2016, she made instant friends and became an instrumental player in the First Christian Church’s Bible Study groups. Bothwell Regional Health Center enjoyed her many volunteer hours, as well.
She is preceded in death by parents, Gus and LaVaughn; husband; and son, Stanley David Hawkins.
Dorothy is survived by sister, LaVaughn Meyers; brother, Gus Engelland, Jr. (Judy); oldest son, Steven Russell Hawkins (Cheryl); daughter, Gena Pauline Hawkins Swearingen (Stafford); nine grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and step-family were blessed to know her and loved their ‘Mamie.’
Funeral arrangements are pending. Please follow Schrader Funeral Home’s website for future details.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Bothwell Regional Health Center Foundation, 601 E. 14th St., Sedalia, Mo. 65301 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She would love for you to give a hug to someone, as well.
