Celebrating the life of
Mary Anne Rourke Hornkohl
September 07, 2025 - October 12, 2025
Savannah has lost one of its treasures. Mary Anne Rourke Hornkohl passed away on the morning of October 12, 2025 at The Oaks on Isle of Hope where she resided. Born on September 7, 1939, in Savannah, Mary Anne had just celebrated her 86th birthday.
Mary Anne was preceded in death by her parents Arthur Lawrence and Veronica Dillon Rourke, her brother Arthur Lawrence Rourke, Jr., her dear spouse Marc L. Hornkohl and several cherished dogs. Surviving are her beloved cousins, Broughton and Josie Rourke Kelly and her lifelong friend, Judy R. Downing.
Raised in the Catholic Church, Mary Anne attended Blessed Sacrament School and was a 1957 graduate of Saint Vincent’s Academy where she was a cheerleader for the Benedictine Cadets. She was employed at Savannah Electric and Power Company retiring after fifty years of service. She remained a vigorous Irish Catholic throughout her life. She formed enduring relationships beginning in 1945 until her retirement in 2006.
Mary Anne was born a natural comedian entertaining all present anywhere, anytime, always leaving ‘em laughing and wanting more. Her escapades are legendary. Sometimes not appreciated by authority – you know who you are! A quick Irish rebuttal given, not always welcomed, but usually the last word.
Mary Anne loved children and enchanted each one she knew especially by making funny faces and passing out dollar bills with a whisper in the ear. Children and grandchildren of her friends were her fun extended family – lucky kids!
Mike O’Connor and his wife Dee saw to the care of Mary Anne these last few years. Special “grands”, now grown to adulthood, remained solidly attentive to her needs and requests along with her “nieces”, Dee O’Connor, Christa Anderson, and Sharon Hart who grew up with and knew her as “Aunt Witchie”.
If perusing Savannah on foot you will probably step on iron utility covers stamped with “Rourke Iron Works”, along with lovely iron balconies, and historic downspouts. When you do, say a big hello to Mary Anne Rourke!
Services will remain private. Remembrances may be made to Saint Vincent’s Academy, 207 E. Liberty Street, Savannah GA 31401 or Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah GA or the Humane Society of Greater Savannah, 7215 Sallie Mood Drive, Savannah GA 31406. Please sign the online guest book.
What a wonderful gal that Mary Anne was! So many cherished memories with a very special friend. She will be missed.
- Scottie & Julie Hendrix , Savannah , Ga
Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
- Ben Fender , Savannah , GA
We miss yiu and we love you Mary Ann.
- Broughton &Josie Kelly, Savannah, Ga
I knew Mary Anne growing up. May her soul rest in peace as she reunites ,with her mom and dad and her brother.
- CAROLYN EMERICK, SAVANNAH, GA
My heat is broken, Aunt MaryAnne groom the day I was born was a guiding light in my life. You will forever be in my heart, how special I was as you have loved me from the day I was born.
- renee keith, Savannah , Ga
What fond memories I have of you, Judy and Peggy at Savannah Electric and Power. Prayers for your family and Judy who loved you so much.
- Ann Cosnahan, Metter, Georgia
What fond memories I have of you, Judy and Peggy at Savannah Electric and Power. Prayers for your family and Judy who loved you so much.
- Ann Cosnahan, Metter, Georgia
Mary Ann would play tic tac dough with my grand daughter when visiting Johnny Harris for the ladies luncheon 2 or 3 times a week. Always smiling and gracious person. Norman
- Norman & Linda Heidt, Savannah, Ga
Betty and I certainly enjoyed the many laughs we shared with Mary Ann and her best friend, Judy. We wish we had known her longer. The stories of her at SVA were so hilarious. Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord; and may Perpetual Light shine upon her
- Billy S. Wilson, Jr., Savannah, GA
You were my friend, my second mother, my English teacher ( at SEPCO) , and the best guidance in my life. May you rest in peace. You are in a much better place than all you left behind. Know that I always admired, respected and trusted every word you told me. See you later. Love you MoMo!!
- Joe & Lynne Rainey, Savannah, Ga
Much love and peace to all who knew and loved Mary Anne.
- Kelly Kilpatrick Hunt, Savannah, GA
A terrific lady ! Rest in peace.
- Dee Herb, Tybee Island, GA
This was a beautiful obituary and spoke of Mary Anne perfectly. Everything was Mary Anne to a tee. She loved telling and playing jokes on people. The best was Henry Rappe'. I'm sure he was waiting on her when she arrived. She had the best laugh at getting him back. And boy did she!! She was a great, joyful and very humorous person to be around. Eternal rest unto her!! Love always, Vicki
- Victoria Mell McCuen, Savannah, GA
Mary Anne was such a generous and funny soul. She was the embodiment of loyalty, accountability, and steadfastness. You are missed.
- Dana Hornkohl, Fort Collins, CO
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
- A Private Service Will Be Held
