The Saint John community is engulfed in sorrow following the unexpected passing of Susan Elaine Rourke, a cherished member of Simonds High School’s Class of 1981. Susan, who was born on November 13, 1963, in Saint John to Leo and the late Audrey (Clark) Collings, passed away in March 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Her death has deeply affected her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched throughout her lifetime.

Susan is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Brent Rourke, and their two sons, Thomas (married to Colleen) and Benjamin (married to Kaitlin), along with her beloved grandchildren, Isla Elaine, Alden, and Alice Mae. She also leaves behind her father, Leo Collings, and her siblings: Kathie Rodger (John), Trudy Melvin (Bob), Louise McCarville (Gary), Maura Butko, James Collings, Peter Collings (Coleen), and Elizabeth Collings. The Rourke family, including her in-laws, Allie and Alice Rourke, Danny Rourke (Pauline), Dale Rourke (Cathy), Sherrie Rourke (Steve Lohnes), and Debbie Hatt (Tim), as well as numerous nieces and nephews, are also mourning her loss. Susan was predeceased by her mother, Audrey, and her brother-in-law, Fred, both of whom held a special place in her heart.

Susan’s sudden passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from her friends, classmates, and the broader Saint John community. Her life, marked by compassion, love, and a deep commitment to her family, will be remembered as a beacon of kindness and generosity. This article delves deeply into Susan’s life, her impact on those around her, and the legacy she leaves behind.

The Life and Legacy of Susan Elaine Rourke

Susan Elaine Rourke was more than just a name in an obituary; she was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, and a friend to many. Born and raised in Saint John, Susan grew up in a close-knit family that valued love, loyalty, and community. Her parents, Leo and Audrey Collings, instilled in her the importance of family and the value of kindness, principles that would guide her throughout her life.

Susan attended Simonds High School, where she graduated as part of the Class of 1981. Her time at Simonds was marked by her warm personality, her academic diligence, and her ability to make everyone around her feel valued. Classmates and teachers alike remember her as a bright and caring individual who always had a smile on her face and a kind word for those in need.

“Susan was the kind of person who made high school feel like a family,” said one of her classmates. “She had this incredible ability to bring people together and make everyone feel included. Her kindness was contagious, and her friendship was a gift.”

After graduating from Simonds High School, Susan went on to build a life centered around her family and community. She married Brent Rourke, her devoted husband of 37 years, and together they raised two sons, Thomas and Benjamin. Susan’s role as a mother was one she cherished deeply, and her love for her children was evident in everything she did.

“Susan was the heart of our family,” said her husband, Brent. “She was the glue that held us all together. Her love for our boys and our grandchildren was boundless, and she always put their needs above her own.”

In addition to her role as a mother, Susan was also a doting grandmother to Isla Elaine, Alden, and Alice Mae. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she took immense joy in spending time with them, whether it was baking cookies, reading stories, or simply sharing a laugh.

“Susan was the best grandmother anyone could ask for,” said her daughter-in-law, Colleen. “She had this incredible ability to make every moment special, and her love for the kids was unconditional. They adored her, and she adored them.”

A Pillar of the Community

Susan’s impact extended far beyond her immediate family. She was a well-known and respected figure in the Saint John community, where she was admired for her generosity, her compassion, and her willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Throughout her life, Susan was actively involved in various community initiatives, from volunteering at local charities to organizing fundraisers for those in need. Her dedication to making a difference in the lives of others was unwavering, and her efforts left a lasting impact on the community she loved.

“Susan was the kind of person who always put others first,” said a close friend. “She had this incredible ability to see the good in everyone and to bring out the best in those around her. Her kindness and generosity knew no bounds, and she will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her.”

The Outpouring of Tributes

In the wake of Susan’s passing, the Saint John community has come together to honor her memory and celebrate her life. Tributes have poured in from friends, classmates, and community members, all of whom have been deeply affected by her loss.

Her classmates from Simonds High School’s Class of 1981 have been particularly vocal in their grief, sharing memories of Susan and expressing their condolences to her family.

“Susan was one of the kindest, most genuine people I’ve ever known,” wrote one classmate on social media. “She had this incredible ability to make everyone feel valued and loved. Her passing is a tremendous loss for our class and for the entire community.”

Another classmate shared a photo of Susan from their high school days, writing, “Susan was the heart and soul of our class. Her smile could light up a room, and her kindness was unmatched. I’m so grateful to have known her, and I will carry her memory with me always.”

The Family’s Grief

For Susan’s family, her passing has left a void that can never be filled. Her husband, Brent, and their two sons, Thomas and Benjamin, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of a woman who was the center of their world.

“Susan was my rock,” said Brent. “She was my best friend, my partner, and the love of my life. Life without her is unimaginable, but I know that her love will continue to guide us through this difficult time.”

Her sons, Thomas and Benjamin, have also expressed their grief, sharing memories of their mother and the profound impact she had on their lives.

“My mom was my hero,” said Thomas. “She was always there for me, no matter what. Her love was unconditional, and her support was unwavering. I will miss her every day, but I know that her spirit will live on in me and in my children.”

Benjamin echoed his brother’s sentiments, saying, “My mom was the most selfless person I’ve ever known. She always put others first, and her love for her family was boundless. I will carry her memory with me always, and I will strive to live a life that honors her legacy.”

A Legacy of Love and Kindness

As the Saint John community mourns the loss of Susan Elaine Rourke, her memory lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life, marked by love, kindness, and a deep commitment to her family and community, will continue to inspire those who carry her memory forward.

“Susan’s legacy is one of love and kindness,” said a close friend. “She touched so many lives in so many ways, and her impact will be felt for generations to come. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her life and the incredible person she was.”

A Call to Action

Susan’s passing is a reminder of the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones and of the impact one person can have on the lives of others. As the Saint John community comes together to honor her memory, her life serves as a call to action to live with kindness, compassion, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of those around us.

“Susan’s life was a testament to the power of love and kindness,” said a community leader. “Let us honor her memory by striving to live as she did—with love, compassion, and a commitment to making the world a better place.”

In the days and weeks to come, the Saint John community will continue to honor Susan Elaine Rourke’s memory through initiatives aimed at promoting kindness and community service. Her legacy will live on not only in the hearts of those who knew her but also in the actions taken to ensure that her spirit of love and generosity continues to inspire others.