CARBONE-O’ROURKE: Julia Catherine Louise
Posted By On January 26, 2026 @ 12:00 AM In Dashwood,Exeter,Obituary | 40 Comments
CARBONE-O’ROURKE: Peacefully, surrounded by the love of her family, on Monday, January 26, 2026, at Jessica’s House Residential Hospice, Exeter, Julia Catherine Louise Carbone-O’Rourke of RR3, Dashwood, age 82. Beloved wife of Donald “Don” Leo O’Rourke. Loved mother of Sean O’Rourke (Nicola), Lee O’Rourke and Justin O’Rourke. Cherished Grandma of Shaelyn O’Rourke, Evan O’Rourke and Sarah O’Rourke. Dear sister and sister-in-law of Martin and Janice Carbone, Eloise Carbone, Michael Carbone, Louise O’Rourke, Pat O’Rourke, Barb O’Rourke, Joe and Betty O’Rourke, Gerard and Sandy O’Rourke, Mary and Jim MacGregor. Remembered by her many nieces, nephews and their families. Predeceased by her parents Thomas and Leah (Fabbro) Carbone, parents-in-law Dennis and Clare (Dietrich) O’Rourke, siblings and in-laws Louis and Helen Carbone, David Carbone, Phyllis O’Rourke Gwen O’Rourke, Glenn O’Rourke, Mike O’Rourke, and Wayne O’Rourke. At Julia’s request, cremation has taken place and no formal services will be held. Private Family Graveside Interment to be held in Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Cemetery, Mount Carmel at a later date. Julia was born in Timmins, Ontario, and grew up in Brantford, where her love of music emerged early. A gifted pianist, she earned her Associate Performer’s Award from the Royal Conservatory of Music at the University of Toronto by age seventeen. After high school, Julia studied nursing in Toronto before completing a degree in Administration at the University of Western Ontario, where she met her future husband, Donald. Following several years in London, Ontario, they moved to the country in 1973 to raise their family on the O’Rourke homestead. Julia devoted herself to her three children as a full-time mother and homemaker, volunteering at their school and proudly supporting their activities — earning the nickname “Superfan.” She continued to pursue learning through night classes, singing lessons, and art, and was an active member of the Mount Carmel CWL and church choir. In later years, she served her community as a pianist for weddings and funerals. A private and contented homebody, Julia found joy in reading, playing the piano, and watching the Blue Jays, tennis, and Jeopardy. She had a quiet but deep devotion to caring for others, especially her family. She kept an impeccably clean house, and she always dressed to the nines, even for a trip to town. Julia’s gentle presence, kindness and love will be deeply missed by all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, please share a donation to Jessica’s House on Julia’s behalf. Arrangements entrusted to the T. Harry Hoffman & Sons Funeral Home, Dashwood. If desired, memorial donations (payable directly) to Jessica’s House Residential Hospice, Exeter or a charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Condolences for the family of “CARBONE-O’ROURKE: Julia Catherine Louise”
Don and family
Sincere sympathy in the death of Julia . A very talented lady. May the good memories help bring peace and comfort
Auntie Julia, I will always remember your love and kindness when we would visit you. What a magical experience spending time with you, Uncle Don, and Gee Gee, Justy and Sean as we all spent time at the lake. Who could forget that sauna?! I remember being absolutely floored watching a video of you playing the piano a few years back. Such talent and kind humility. I love you and will remember you always.
Our deepest condolences to Don and Julia’s entire family. We will hold fond memories of our times together when we were part of the Mount Carmel family, especially when we shared a good wine. Our prayers are with you all.
We are very sorry about your loss and are thinking of you during this difficult time!
My deepest Sympathies, Don & all of Julia’s family. I haven’t seen Julia for years but remember her smile & our lovely chats when we would run into each other. A beautiful woman…. Anmarie
I true condolences to the family Great memories Was always great to meet her
I am so sorry for your loss. I will always remember her gentle kindness, warm smile, and the joy she found in playing the piano. She was such a welcoming presence, and I feel very lucky to have known her.
Rosemary Morrissey-Gilmore, Dave and Leona Morrissey
Don, Sean & Nicola, Lee and Justin;
Shaelyn, Evan and Sarah,
We were saddened to learn of Julia’s passing.
One special memory I have is of a fall day lunch out many years ago, with Linda – we were celebrating our November birthdays. Julia will be greatly missed in our community, as well as her lovely music contribution at OLMC church. She had many accomplishments in a life well lived!
May your many memories of happy times together with ‘Superfan’ be a comfort to you always.
With our heartfelt condolences.
Milt and Barb Dietrich
Our deepest condolences to the entire O’Rourke family at this time. We are thinking of you.
Don and family. I have known Julia since the 1980’s
She always took the time to stop and chat about anything or everything. Always asking about family and how things were going. She always looked like a very happy person who loves her family dearly. I along with a lot of people will miss her and that lovely eagerness to be kind.
Glenn and I were saddened to hear of Julia’s passing. Our thoughts are with you all at this most difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy to Don and family. Cherish your memories.
Don,Sean,Lee and Justin
Sincere condolences on the loss of your Wife and Mom
Don and family,
I’m sorry for your loss of Julia. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.
To the family of Julia…..we are saddened to see this news. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers….hoping the wonderful memories of Julia will comfort you all in the time ahead.
Bill, Linda, Leigh and Craig Soldan
Don and family,
Our sympathy in the loss of your loved one.
Julia was a great person, glad to have been a Sorella to her.
Diane and Joe Kaak
Don, Sean, Lee & Justin,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Julia. Condolences from the Bogart’s during this difficult time.
Scott & Lynda Bogart
Sincere sympathy to all the family, so sorry for your loss.
Jim & Linda Dietrich
Don, Sean, Lee, Justin & family
We couldn’t ask for better neighbours than the O’Rourke’s for so many years on the Bronson Line. Noone could speak more kindly, Julie always acknowledged our kids’ achievements with neighbourly pride and enthusiasm. She carried herself with such grace, as you said, dressed to the nines! She was private, but at the same time always welcoming to the Dietrich’s with the offer of a beer for Dennis or a chocolate bar for the girls! We will miss her.
Jackie, Kristie, Sara and Emma
Don and all the O’Rourke Family, we are so sorry for your loss of Julia. She will be in our prayers ,as will all of you. Healing thoughts from your California cousins , The Campbell Family , Eileen O’Rourke’s
family
Dear Don, Sean, Lee & Justin,
I was so sad to hear of Julia’s passing and also grateful that I had a chance to know her, to visit in the neighborhood while she was our neighbour, to sing together in choir and for special events too at times. She was a beautiful pianist and always welcoming when I showed at the door for a little visit. She will be missed. You are all in my prayers at this time.
Dianna
Don and family
Our condolences on the passing of Julia. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Gary & Maria Urquhart
Sisters forever….
In the beginning we were comrades – dancing together, shopping together, learning Italian together, playing duets on the piano with our bracelets jingle jangling along with the music.
We were confidentes – encouraging each other in our pursuits, supporting each other’s choices, and sharing video clips of Reach for the Stars, America’s got Talent and Opera Pub from the West Coast.
In the end, it was music that finally connected us, and for this I am forever grateful to our mother who opened her two daughters to a world of appreciation and love of music.
Julia, thank you for trusting me as you did.
No greater love hath……
Julia’s children filled her life with joy. I am so grateful to them for this and for caring for her right up until the end. Thank you, your auntie eloise
Sean and the entire O’Rourke family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. Please accept our sincere condolences on your loss! May God grant unto her eternal rest.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers Ray Joan Webb and Family
Dear Don Sean Lee and Justin so sorry for your loss you and your family are in my prayers I always remember how your mom always called me Leonardo had lots of great memories and hanging out at your place when I was a kid can’t believe so many years have passed you are in my prayers
LEN AND CINDY DIETRICH AND FAMILY
DUTTON ONT
Don, Sean, Lee, Justin & family;
Our sincere condolences in the loss of your dear Wife, Mother and Grandmother and the entire Carbone & O’Rourke families.
Mark & Julie Heimrich
Don and family, I am so sorry to hear of Julia’s passing. May God grant her eternal rest and may He console all of you at this sad time. I was a member of the funeral choir that Julia led so ably at Mt. Carmel parish.
Totally shocked by this news! Julia and I have had a long time emailing relationship. And she always sounded so happy and upbeat. Even her last letter, one month ago. I will miss our correspondence. My heartfelt sympathy to Don,Lee, Sean and Justin. From her friend and ex sister in law, Caroline Carbone
Sorry to hear of your loss. Our condolences to Lee and family.
Roxanne and Nigel Wonnacott
To Don and family
Our condolences to all on the passing of Julia.
Have memories of her coming to the store.
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
Dear Justin,
Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.
Steve & Karen Van Scheyndel & Family
Lee and family, I am so sorry to hear you’ve lost your Mom. You are all in our thoughts and prayers ❤️
Our deepest condolences of the passing of Julia
So many memories of her at Mt Carmel church Such a beautiful women inside and out. Our thoughts go out to Don and family
To the Carbone, O’Rourke and Dietrich families, please accept our very sincere condolences on reading of Julia’s death. It appears that she was a very generous and talented woman who gave greatly and will be missed greatly. May memories and our prayers help you as you move forward through this difficult and painful time.
Bill and Maureen ( McAneney) Morkin
Our sympathy to you Don and your children. Julia was always such a positive and supportive friend in the Mt Carmel Church community.
She will be dearly missed and remembered by all.
Matt and Fran Roelands
Dear the Oruke Family,
Hi its Jason Hulzebos from Blyth,Ontario I’m sorry for your guys loss.
Our deepest condolences to the O’Rourke family on the passing of Julia. Her supportive presence at so many of our childhood and youth events was always felt and meant a lot. Will be thinking about you all during this difficult time.
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We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Julia. She has always been so incredibly kind to our family and we have always admired her sunshiney spirit. Our condolences to the family.