Saw Mill River Audubon joins with other Audubon groups and the area birding and bird photography community in mourning the passing of Suzanne O'Rourke. Her excellent bird photography brought joy to so many. Sue was also a great traveling companion on extended Audubon trips often spotting and photographing birds that others missed with patient and careful watching and waiting. Her delight in seeing and photographing new birds was also a joy to see. We will miss you, Sue. May her memory be a comfort to her family and friends.

Many of my colleagues and I at Isaac Young Middle School are saddened by the news of Sue O”Rourke’s passing. We send condolences to her family. She will be missed.

Sue was a kind and caring friend. She made each day at Issac Young full of laughter. Sue will be missed.

Our sincere condolences to the O'Rourke and Kitts families. The trails at Twin Lakes and around the county will never be the same without Sue. We loved running into her and she was always very willing to share her knowledge of photography and birding. She was so unassuming, though, that we never suspected she was a photography teacher. It was Sue who told us about the location of a lifer bird, an Eastern Screech Owl, and for that we will always be grateful. It's hard to believe we won't see her again and hope she has the best Warbler season ever, in Heaven. We miss you already Sue.
Sincerely,
Jeanne and Bill Hall

Mrs O'Rourke was my photography teacher in 1983. She was one of 2 teachers that had such an impact on who I am today. She brought my love of photography (that I still have today) to a whole new level. Being of Finnish descent, I thought it was so cool that I had a teacher that was Finnish. She also made me feel like she thought it was cool to have a Finnish student. I am so sorry for your loss. 🇫🇮