Shirley Ann Lemon (1923-2017)

LEMON, OROURKE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 8/3/2017 at 15:57:18

Shirley Ann O’Rourke Lemon passed on March 29th, 2017, in the Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, IA.
She was born December 29th, 1923 in Oxford, IA to Le Roy Joseph O’Rourke and Majorie Catherine Lawler O’Rourke. The third oldest of seven children, Shirley lost her father at age of ten during the Great Depression. Her young mother, at age 29, held the family together with few amenities but an abundance of love and faith in God. Sometimes there was not even enough food. Shirley learned the importance of family love and the need for survival skills at an early age. The love and loyalty of her family, especially her siblings, carried her through a lifetime of ninety-three years.
Shirley had great devotion to the blessed Mother. She could often be seen praying the rosary one to three times a day. Shirley went on a religious pilgrimage to Medjugorje, Yugoslavia, where she had a remarkable encounter with the blessed Mother Mary. She was a charter member of St. Pius Catholic church where she was a lifelong member. She volunteered for many church activities and was a Eucharistic minister.
Shirley graduated from St. Patrick’s high school and was later married at St. Patrick’s church to Daniel Dean Lemon, on November 6th, 1943. She was a great dancer. One night she met Dan at Fun Night at Danceland. After that they danced many a dance together throughout their married life. To this union was born a daughter Barbara Ann Lemon, a son, Doug Lemon, and a daughter, Sheryl Elizabeth Lemon
Shirley enjoyed many years as co-owner of Lemon & Co. Realtors with her husband Dan and often got the properties prepared to sell.
She was very proud of her Irish heritage. She would always be the first one to get out the green hat and green shirt to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. She even made it to Ireland and kissed the Blarney Stone! She was a faith filled Irish lady who was always proud to say she was an O’Rourke.
Those that survive Shirley are her daughter, Barbara (Ken Wright) and son, Doug Lemon; grandchildren, Kip Wright, Kevin Wright, Anne Wright/Hermann, Melissa (Matthew Doudna), Jennifer (Nate Meyer); great-grandchildren, Abbey Hermann and Jack Hermann with third great-grandchild expected in September; sister Della Barnett; brothers David (Marlene O’Rourke) and Bob (Sandra Whitters-Scott); and many nieces and nephews.
Those that precede her in death are her mother, Majorie O’Rourke/Scott, father, Le Roy O’Rourke; husband, Daniel Dean Lemon; daughter Sheryl Elizabeth Lemon; sisters, Rita (Hank Scheu), Betty (Dale Biddick); brother, Michael Keith O’Rourke; brother-in-law, Wally Barnett; and niece, Cathy Barnett.

A vigil service will be at Teahen Funeral Home on Monday, April 3rd from 5 to 7:30 pm. Funeral mass will be at St. Pius Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 4th at 10 a.m. with burial following at Mt. Calvary Cemetery. A luncheon will be offered after interment at St. Pius.
Honorary pallbearers are Kip Wright, Kevin Wright, Matt Doudna, Nate Meyer, Jack Hermann and Edward Hermann.
Memorials can be given to the Oldorf Hospice House or the charity of your choice.
Shirley will be missed by all who had the privilege to know and love her.
Good and faithful servant, rest now for all eternity in the arms of our Lord.
Cedar Rapids Gazette, March 31, 2017