On Saturday, April 29, 2023, Joyce Webster-O'Rourke, a lifelong reader, writer, dreamer, philosopher, advocate, introvert, and spiritualist took the next step of her grand adventure.  Born June 1, 1934, she is survived by her beloved children: Thomas Joseph O'Rourke (Maria), JeanAnne Dropp (Edward), Tara Lynne O'Rourke, Sheila Joy Hall (Mike), Terence Martin O'Rourke (Dickie Harper); son-in-law Richard Dominianni; grandchildren: Darcie and Riley Dominianni; Joyce and Kylee O'Rourke; Christopher and Courtney Dropp; Erin Andrews (Sam); Grace, Colin and Aimee Hall and great grandchildren Lucien and Imogen Andrews. Also surviving is an extended family including cousins, nieces, nephews, bonus kids she picked up along the way, and more friends than she was able to count. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of more than 60 years Thomas, her daughter Ellen Marie O'Rourke-Dominianni and son Michael Francis. The family will receive friends at James P Byrnes Funeral Home 2384 Gerritsen Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11229 Tuesday May 2,2023 between 2-4PM and 7-9PM with a funeral Mass at Resurrection Catholic Church at 9:30 AM on Wednesday May 3, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Joyce's name to Hour Children 36-11 12th St, Long Island City, NY 11106. Arrangements are being coordinated through Clavin Funeral Home. Joyce learned early the impermanence of life on this earth and sought through her life to learn, live, and teach the fullness of each moment.  As a "stay at home mom", she never stopped devouring every book, newspaper, or magazine to further her education and connection to the world at large.  She enrolled in adult education courses at Brooklyn College in her 40s, got her bachelor's degree, master's degree, and "30 above" to become a school psychologist.  She worked at the Guild for Exceptional Children where, for over 30 years, she ensured that children were provided every service needed to thrive, including educating caregivers for children with special needs.  She loved art, music, literature, and travel and brought that spirit to life with her grandchildren; sponsoring music, art, and sports lessons, encouraging them to write, draw, paint, travel, and live their passions.  When she moved into Gerritsen Beach, she found an outlet for her advocacy by joining the Board of her Co-op, serving as President and providing a voice for those too shy to speak.  Her passion for justice and equity will be sorely missed by many, and we, her children and grandchildren, can only hope to live with the same commitment to living each moment engaged in making the world a better place than we found it. May God be with you, rest in peace.

-    -    -    -    -    -    -    -

Visitation
VISITATION WILL TAKE PLACE AT JAMES P. BYRNES FUNERAL HOME
Tuesday (5/2)  2 - 4 & 7 - 9 PM