Obituaries

On December 23, 1957, Frank & Mary Ann Cohlman were blessed with the birth of their daughter Michele Marie Cohlman at Barnes Maternity Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. Michele was the second oldest of four children and was raised in Jennings, Missouri. She was baptized, received her First Communion and Confirmation at St. Louise de Marillac Parish. Michele was united in holy Matrimony to David Michael O’Rourke on February 14, 1981 also at St. Louise de Marillac Parish.

Michele was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who enjoyed hummingbirds, gardening, crocheting and baking as skills that she willing treated her family and friends to, especially her famous Carrot Cake.

Michele was a strong woman with an even stronger faith. She was passionate and eager to care and help others. She poured that passion into her community and joined the neighborhood watch where she received a certificate from the Jennings Police Department. She also took part in Meals on Wheels, Fairview’s Mothers Club, and was even a Scout Master for the local Girl Scouts.

Michele came to Our Lady of Guadalupe in February of 2012, as the Directory of the After Care Program, Recess Coach, Teaching Assistant for the Preschool & School, Substitute Teacher and would help out in any way possible. Michele took time off from Our Lady of Guadalupe to take care of her mother-in-law, Betty Moyers, in her last days.

When retired, Michele planned to spend her time doing community service, gardening and refocusing on her family and grandchildren, who she loved dearly.

Michele was a loving sincere, thoughtful, beautiful soul who received eternal life on April 2, 2023.

Michele leaves a loving, dedicated and devoted husband, David Michael O’Rourke; two daughters; Karen (Kien) Ton; Dina Easter, both of Florissant, Missouri, two sons, David (Danielle) Michael O’Rourke II, of Woodson Terrace; Matthew (Sarah) Brian O’Rourke, of St. Peters, Missouri, a loving mother, Mary Ann Cohlman of French Village, Missouri; two brothers, Mark (Pamela) Cohlman of Springfield, Missouri, Michael Cohlman of Jennings, Missouri and one sister Mary Beth (Piero) Busciglio of Cedar Hill, Missouri. Nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a host of family, friends and in-laws. Frank Cohlman, her loving father, proceeded her in death.