Bernardine C. (Rourke) Strom

Bernardine C. (Rourke) Strom, 86, of Shrewsbury and South Yarmouth, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at her home.

She was the loving wife of the late George A. Strom, Jr. for 44 years prior to his passing in 2008.

Bernardine leaves two daughters, Martha Strom of Shrewsbury and Jane Corriere and her husband retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Michael A. Corriere of Clarksville, MD., a son George F. Strom and his wife Natasha Strom of Arlington, MA, seven grandchildren, Ryan, Meghan, Sean, Brendan, and Mike Corriere, and Liam and Luke Strom; her brother Frank Rourke of Worcester, her sister Marie Haynes of Sutton, her sisters-in-law Doryl Rourke of Worcester and Donna (Strom) Robillard of Chelmsford; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. She was predeceased by her brothers William F. Rourke and Robert J. Rourke.

Bernardine was born and raised on Vernon Hill in Worcester, daughter of William J. and Helen (Conlin) Rourke, and has lived in Shrewsbury for 54 years. Bernardine also enjoyed her time on Cape Cod, especially days spent at Corporation Beach with family and friends.

She was a graduate of the former Ascension High School in Worcester (Class of 1957) and Worcester State Teachers College (Class of 1961). She enjoyed staying in touch with her classmates and also planned reunions for both of her alma maters at her home.

Bernardine was a longtime educator, and absolutely loved being a teacher. She began her career at Helen Mixter School in West Boylston, followed by Wildwood School in Burlington, and she taught defensive driving at the National Safety Council. She joined the faculty at Burncoat Street Preparatory School in Worcester in 1985, and joyfully taught there through her retirement in 2008. After retiring, Bernardine was a tutor for the Worcester Public Schools at Norrback Avenue School and Gates Lane School. Additionally, she supervised student teachers for Cambridge College.

She was a member of the EAW, the MTA, the Retired Educators Association of Massachusetts, the Shrewsbury Woman’s Club, St. Mary’s Parish of Shrewsbury, the St. Mary’s Social Committee, the Worcester County Sheriff’s F.O.R. Events Committee, the Emerald Club, the Hyannis Yacht Club, the LAOH, and was a Class Agent for Worcester State University.

Calling hours are Thursday, July 30, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester.  The funeral Mass will be held on Friday, July 31, at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Church, 640 Main St., Shrewsbury. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Shrewsbury.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Helen G. Shaughnessy Endowed Scholarship for future elementary school teachers at Worcester State University, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602 (alumni.worcester.edu/g/giving).