Susan Elaine Rourke Death & Obituary: The Saint John community is grieving the unexpected passing of Susan Elaine Rourke, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and cherished friend. Susan, who passed away in March 2025, leaves behind an irreplaceable void that will be deeply felt by all who knew her. Her death has sent shockwaves through the community, and those who had the privilege of knowing her will forever remember her for her kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to her loved ones.
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Early Life and Family
Born on November 13, 1963, in Saint John, Susan was the daughter of Leo Collings and the late Audrey (Clark) Collings. She grew up in a close-knit family and carried forward the values of love, compassion, and community that shaped her throughout her life. As a devoted wife of 37 years to her husband, Brent, Susan shared a deep and lasting partnership. Together, they raised two sons—Thomas, married to Colleen, and Benjamin, married to Kaitlin—who were the pride and joy of her life.
Her Greatest Joy: Her Grandchildren
Susan’s grandchildren—Isla Elaine, Alden, and Alice Mae—were the light of her life. She cherished every moment spent with them, offering love, guidance, and care as a doting grandmother. Her legacy will live on through the generations she nurtured, as her children and grandchildren carry forward the values she instilled in them.
Family and Loved Ones
In addition to her immediate family, Susan is survived by 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. She also leaves behind her extended family, including 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. Susan’s relationships with each of her family members were characterized by deep love and support, and her passing leaves a profound sense of loss for all of them.
A Community Pillar: Susan’s Impact in Saint John
Susan was known throughout the Saint John community for her kindness and willingness to help others. As a graduate of the Simonds High School Class of 1981, Susan forged lifelong friendships that were rooted in trust and mutual support. Classmates remember her as a dependable friend, always there with a smile or a word of encouragement. Her positive energy, generosity, and compassion touched everyone she encountered, and she was a cherished member of the community.
Susan was never one to seek the spotlight, but her selfless contributions to the lives of others were immeasurable. Whether it was lending a helping hand to a neighbor, volunteering for local causes, or supporting her children in all their endeavors, Susan’s quiet acts of kindness made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.
The Legacy of Love and Compassion
While her passing has left a deep void, Susan’s legacy of love, compassion, and dedication will continue to inspire those who knew her. Her family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received from the community, finding comfort in knowing that Susan’s kindness made a significant impact on many lives. “It brings us comfort to know that our beloved Susan made such a positive impact on so many people,” her family said.
Celebrating Susan’s Life and Legacy
As the community comes together to mourn, the memory of Susan Rourke will be cherished. Her life was one of selfless devotion to her family and her community, and she will be remembered for the love she shared, the joy she spread, and the guidance she offered. Though her physical presence is no longer with us, her influence will continue to guide and inspire those she left behind.
In this time of sorrow, it is also a time to celebrate Susan’s life—her unwavering devotion to her family, her quiet yet significant contributions to the community, and the deep love she showed to all who were fortunate enough to know her. While her passing is a tragic loss, her spirit will live on in the hearts of those who loved her.
Final Thoughts
To Susan’s family, we extend our deepest condolences. No words can ease the pain of losing someone so beloved, but we hope that the love and memories of Susan bring comfort in the days to come. She was a remarkable woman whose kindness knew no bounds, and her memory will live on forever in the hearts of all who knew her. May Susan rest in peace, knowing that her life made the world a better place for everyone who had the honor of crossing her path.