Michelle O'Rourke

Michelle O'Rourke is a registered nurse who retired from her role as the Integrated Program Coordinator for the CKHA Oncology and Palliative Care Departments, and the Chatham-Kent Hospice. A highlight of her career was helping to design, build and open the 10 bed hospice residence in Chatham, Ontario, Canada. Michelle worked for more than forty years in Critical Care, Emergency and Palliative Care nursing, at the same time enjoying many years working in Lay Pastoral Ministry in the R.C. Diocese of London, Ontario Canada. She helped to develop the Foundations in Parish Nursing ecumenical education program offered through St. Peter's Seminary.

While pursuing a Master of Arts in Pastoral Ministry her thesis focused on Spirituality and Palliative Care, being published in 2009 by Orbis Books(New York) as 'Befriending Death: Henri Nouwen and a Spirituality of Dying'. Old and new Henri Nouwen fans will enjoy this compilation of his published and unpublished reflections on this important topic.

Michelle joined Grief and Bereavement specialist Eugene Dufour in co-authoring a second book, 'Embracing the End of Life: Help for Those Who Accompany the Dying', (Novalis Canada) released in 2012. It is a practical guide filled with inspirational stories, self-reflective questions and information for understanding end-of-life issues as well as conversation tips for discussing death and dying with others. The book is easy to read and will be valuable for anyone involved in health care, ministry, chaplaincy, or those who are companioning friends or loved ones through their final stage of living. It was given a first place award by Catholic Press Association, and is also available as an ebook. A revised edition is set to be published in 2026.

In 2020, Michelle published 'Healthy Caregiving: Perspectives for Caring Professionals in company with Henri J.M. Nouwen'. (Novalis, Canada). Filled with valuable information, uplifting stories and questions for self-reflection, this book is a must-have for any caregiver who seeks nourishment in their profession. This book also won two awards from the Catholic Press Association. It is filled with Nouwen's wisdom, but is valuable for secular audiences, and is available as an ebook as well.

In her 'semi-retirement' Michelle enjoys teaching and speaking in the areas of caregiving, spirituality, grief, palliative care and wellness, establishing Selah Resources in 2009. She lives in Chatham Ontario, and is a married mother of four and gramma to Ollie. She enjoys writing, travelling and spending time with family and friends.