Brittany Marie O'Rourke, 18, passed away at her home in Hartford, Vermont Wednesday August 14, 2013. Brittany was born March, 18 1995 in Springfield, Vermont. At the age of nine, Brittany was adopted by Kerry O'Neill and Michael O'Rourke and resided in Marshfield Vermont where she attended Twinfield Union School for her elementary, middle school, and one year of high school. Brittany was embraced by the small community surrounding Twinfield and had many friends she continued to stay in touch with. She relocated to Hartford Vermont with her mother and mother's fiance Douglas McKenney. She was often able to spend time with her father and father's fiance Holly Barrett who still reside in Marshfield. Brittany was continuing her high school career at Hartford High School where again she made a enormous impact on so many lives. Brittany had a passion and desire to always extend a helping hand and was pursuing a career in human services. Because of her hard work and dedication she was given the chance to work at Valley Terrace Community Care Center helping the elderly. She was a spirited, intelligent, beautiful young girl that enjoyed all that life had blessed her with. She was always active, energetic and full of life. She enjoyed nature and a variety of sports, such as, basketball, soccer, biking, exploring, hiking, and walking. Brittany was always known for "shooting hoops" for hours on end to perfect her skills for the upcoming basketball seasons and taking long walks. Brittany had a great love for music and arts and all that knew her can attest to the fact that it was unusual to find her in the absence of her ipod. She would often take comfort in writing poetry. Brittany always had a light-hearted battle with her mom about the taste of food vs the quality of food and she would often rejoice in teasing her mom about her love of junk food. Brittany was blessed with a nephew and niece and was always so passionate about being a great aunt and role model to them. She spent as much time as she could playing, teaching, and caring for them because they brought her so much joy and happiness. She brought a smile to everyone's face that knew her and even those that didn't.
Brittany is survived by her mother, Kerry; her father, Michael; her grandmothers, Frieda O'Neill and Betty O'Rourke; her three sisters: Tonya Hamilton, Kimberly McLaughlin, Brooklyn O'Rourke; a brother, Dylan Anderson; Brother-in-laws: Dan Hamilton, Patrick McLaughlin; Nephew and Niece William and Emma Hamilton; and many Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends; and her pets Bailey and Annabelle
She was predeceased by her Grandfathers: John O'Neill, Mickey O'Rourke
Calling Hours will be held Monday evening, August 19, 2013 from 6-8pm at the Knight's Funeral Home in White River Jct., VT. A graveside memorial service will be held Tuesday morning, August 20, 2013 at 11AMin the Hartford Cemetery on Rte 14 in White River Jct., VT.
The family is asking all those who are interested in contributing to her Memorial Fund, that donations can be made visiting Dan Hamilton's Facebook page or visiting: http://www.gofundme.com/3ydjtw
Remaining funds will be donated to Camp DayBreak.