Dianne Currie O'Rourke Obituary (1945

Dianne Currie O’Rourke (nee Helkenn) 77; retired writer; of Oak Park, formerly of Chicago’s Lincoln Square, passed away May 18, 2023. Born Naomi Dianne Helkenn in Des Moines, IA, Dianne earned her bachelor’s from the University of Iowa and her master's, both in English. She taught English at Franklin Park Elementary, was the director of public relations at St. Elizabeth Hospital and the American College of Surgeons, and worked for 25 years as a science and medical writer for Public Communications, Inc. Loving mother of Heather Beatrice (Dwayne Cornelius) Currie and Kate “Kiki” O’Rourke; adoring grandmother “Nonna” of Aidan William (Elaine Chen) Currie and Delfa Naomi “Fishy” Udovicic. Dear sister of Jeff Helkenn, Beth (Elvin) McLaughlin, Molly McLaughlin, and the late David (Rae) Helkenn. Aunt, cousin, and friend of many. Former spouse of William “Bill” (Susan) Currie, the late Thomas (Peggy) O’Rourke, and Mirko Udovicic. Daughter of the late John Helkenn and Helen Hamilton. Preceded in death by her faithful companion, Buster Brown the big mutt. From screenplays to short stories to memoirs to blogging, Dianne loved to write. Her dog-loving political Facebook page, Buster Brown Town, garnered several thousand followers. She also enjoyed making collages and interior decorating. She was passionate about jazz, gospel, and musicals, and loved to travel. She enjoyed a 6-month sabbatical in Rome, and family trips to Mexico, Bosnia, Costa Rica and the Galapagos. Dianne donated generously to many causes, and often went out of her way to help people in need. She volunteered with Albany Park Community Center, Dorothy Stang Adult High School, and The Boulevard. She loved cooking and hosting dinner parties and shared her residence with many friends and family over the years. Celebration of Life Saturday September 30, Davenport's, 1383 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60622 In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to Chicago homeless shelter The Boulevard, or National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. For information contact Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.