Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Joe Ann O’Rourke, 78, of The Village of Hadley who passed away on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025.
Joe Ann was originally from Long Island, NY where she was born in Hollis Queens, NY to Herman and Amelia Mielke on November 2nd, 1946. She graduated from Seaford High School in Seaford, NY. Joe Ann Mielke married Dennis O’Rourke, wife of 53 years on June 29th, 1969, in Seaford, NY.
She worked in advertising at Newsday, a Long Island newspaper for over 40 years where she eventually retired from. Joe Ann is preceded in death by her husband Dennis O’Rourke, parents Herman and Amelia Mielke, as well as her brother Charlie Mielke.
Joe Ann is survived by her only son Casey and significant other Andi, sister Mary Mills, brother Larry Mielke and grandchildren Jack, Nicholas, Kate and Ryland, she was extremely involved in the daily activities of her family and strived to ensure her loved ones were always taken care of.
She enjoyed playing mah jongg, poker and aqua aerobics. Her two eldest grandsons will be her pallbearers.
The Celebration of Life will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Hiers-Baxley on Wedgewood Lane in The Villages. Burial will follow at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.
In lieu of flowers please make donations in Joe Ann’s name to your favorite charity. The family of Joe Ann wishes to extend our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the entire team at Sumter Senior Living and Compassionate Care Hospice.