Barbara Joan Rourke

Barbara Joan Rourke, 76, of Phillipsburg, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at Warren Haven Nursing Home in Oxford, New Jersey.

Born on April 11, 1949, in Paterson, New Jersey, Barbara was the daughter of the late John E. Blackburn and Leonia P. Blackburn. A graduate of Butler High School, she worked for State Farm for many years until her retirement in 2005.

Barbara found deep joy in cooking and in the company of her family. She cherished every gathering with her loved ones and took quiet pride in caring for those around her.

She is survived by her sons, Jason Rourke and his wife, Joanna, and Kevin Rourke and his wife, Marilina; her grandchildren, Caleb, Sophie, Hayden, Brielle, Anelie, Abigail, and Stephen; and her siblings, Cindy Flaherty, Bill Gagg, Christine Gagg, and Michael Gagg, along with many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Bruce Rourke, in 2018, her parents, and her sister, Jackie Popomaier.