Hudson Valley Woman Killed In Crash Remembered For 'Genuine Interest In Other People'

Christine Kenney O’Rourke, age 70, died tragically on Sunday, June 11 near her Yonkers home when she was struck by a car driven by a White Plains woman while on one of her daily walks.

Since her death, her family has received an outpouring of support from the community and the many people she held dear.

Born in Yonkers, Chris’ love for her hometown was deep and abundant, according to her obituary.

She attended Sacred Heart grammar and high schools and was a lifelong parishioner of the Monastery Church of the Sacred Heart in Yonkers.

Chris earned her bachelor's degree from Iona College and began working as a programmer for IBM on her graduation day, her obituary said.

She worked for IBM for 30 years as an executive, becoming responsible for the company's relationship with the city of New York.

Over the years, Chris earned many accolades volunteering but was particularly proud of her work at Ground Zero, which she was recognized for.

• Earlier report: Well-Known Member Of Community ID'd As Woman Struck, Killed By Sedan In Yonkers

Following her retirement, her obituary said she devoted countless hours volunteering at the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, the Yonkers Historical Society, as an aide to the Grand Marshal of the 2018 Yonkers St. Patrick's Day parade and was a member of the Yonkers Community Relations Board, as well as volunteering for the Amackassin Club. 

"Chris’ genuine interest in other people and ability to sense need and quietly respond are the reasons why she formed so many deep and lasting relationships," her obituary said. "Her curiosity and appetite to learn and translate the learning into something real were special."

She leaves behind her husband of 31 years, Kevin F.X. O’Rourke; his children Katelin (Mike) Gorman and Kevin (Jenna) O’Rourke, grandchildren Kevin James (KJ), Kali Beirn, and Keegan Bernard O’Rourke, and James Aiden Gorman; siblings Susan (Michael) Henry, David (Barbara) Kenney, and Maura (Greg) Rast; and scores of nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, cousins, and friends. 

A funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 19, at 1 p.m. at the Monastery Church of the Sacred Heart in Yonkers, where all who cared for Chris are most welcome to join.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the Untermyer Gardens Conservancy. 

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