Helen Lee O’Rourke McClary
Helen Lee O’Rourke McClary, Age 95, of Matlacha, Fl. formerly of Falls Church, VA., passed away on October 22, 2015 after a courageous battle with cancer. Born Helen Murry in Galatin, Mo. She was the widow of Bernard H. O’Rourke, who died in 1977 and Houston W. McClary who died in 2002. She is survived by brother Ross Murry, Eugene, OR, her three sons, B. Pat O’Rourke, Cape Coral, FL. Michael J. O’Rourke, Flagler Beach FL., wife Lori O’Rourke, grand-daughter Kelis M. O’Rourke and Thomas H. O’Rourke, Falls Church, VA., wife Ana O’Rourkealso, step-daughter Mary Faith Vardi, Tuscon, Arizona and step-son Michael McClary Arlington, Virginia, step-grandsons, Etal and Sheloch Vardi. She has always been active with many not-for-profit national and local causes. Recognized for her life’s work, she was a Pace Center for Girls Grande Dame in 2013. She served as a board member, executive and volunteer to organizations such as The Salvation Army (Advisory Board and volunteer for nearly 70 years.), the National Society of Fundraising Executives, National Public Relations Society of America, Pilot Clubs International (Fairfax, Va. past president ) General Federation of Women’s Clubs, Independent Sector, Washington D.C. President’s Committee for the Handicapped, National Association of Hearing and Speech Agencies, Washington D.C. Development Director and Lake Barcroft (VA) Women’s Club (past president). She retired in 1986 after 17 years as vice president, Philanthropic Advisory Services for the National Council of Better Business Bureaus. In 2004 she received the BBB Hall of Fame Award for her work in developing the first BBB Standards for Charitable Solicitations and her work as Charity Watch Dog. During WW ll Helen worked in the Pentagon for the War Department Bureau of Public Relations. Her job was to bring military personnel back from overseas. Military personnel from colonels to privates were brought from the front lines to tell Americans how they could help the war effort such as Fire Power for Eisenhower. Funeral services will be at Arlington National Cemetery where she will be interred with her late husband, Barney O’Rourke. Donations can be made to the Pace Center for Girls, Salvation Army and Hope Healthcare Services, all in Lee County. The Family has entrusted the care of their loved one to the National Cremation and Burial Society.