Patricia Louise O'Rourke

Patricia Oswald-Richmond-O’Rourke, 86, born April 22, 1940 passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026 in West Branch Michigan, she was the beloved daughter of the late James Andrew O’Rourke and Margaret Costello-O’Rourke, who were married October 29th 1929, a Black Tuesday record.

She was preceded in death by her siblings, Delores O’Rourke-Nihem, and Michael O’Rourke, with whom she is now reunited. She is survived by her brother, Joseph O’Rourke.

Patricia’s life was defined by her devotion to her family. She was the proud mother of Jerome Oswald; James Oswald; Joseph Oswald and his wife, Deeanna, whom cared for Patricia with a loving heart; and her daughter Jennifer Rydd, with husband Erick Rydd. She was a cherished grandmother to Andrew (Riley Hartman) Oswald, Alexander Oswald (with wild spirited, loving Ramona Cline) and was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Savannah Oswald, whose memory she held close to her heart. She was also proud to be a great-grandmother to Connor Oswald, as well as Kelly O’Rourke-Webster, her niece, who was also included with this tight knit family while growing up in our community. She was very proud of Kelly’s resilience and with her choice of husband Thomas Webster and how well they have raised their three children.

Patricia relocated her family with Billy Robert Richmond from Dearborn to the Lost City of Damon in 1974. She moved throughout Ogemaw County for the next 54 years and made many wonderful friends along the way while living near Channel Lake for several years before buying a family home near Ogemaw Heights High School and finally settling on Mud Lake road where she proudly supported the Ogemaw Falcons with regularity. She was also a long time Moose Lodge #2051 member and was highly involved with the Ladies of the Moose. She loved to visit neighboring lodges and many good times were had due to her efforts at unity and unique sense of humor, Go IRISH!

Patricia was also proud of returning to her Catholic roots at Holy Family Klacking Creek where she was joined by her daughter, sons and grandsons who served as Altar servers for many years. Her spiritual connection was only made stronger these last few days of life and she is now in a better place, one that we are all striving to get to. She is experiencing peace and joy beyond what we can understand in comfort that life continues in the presence of our Lord.

Visitation for Patricia will be held at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch, MI on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, from 3-8 pm. Her funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 11, 2026 at the Holy Family Catholic Church with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m.  Rev. Al Pillarelli will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the Knight of Columbus hall immediately following mass.

Those wishing to leave a memorial condolence please consider the River House Shelter, Grayling, MI.

"In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places. If there were not, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.", John 14:2-3 USCCB