December 4, 1952 – February 24, 2026
Rosemary “Rosie” Patterson, 73, of Jimersontown, NY, passed away on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 following an illness. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren at Olean General Hospital.
She was born on December 4, 1952 in Gowanda, NY. Rose is the daughter of the late Guy Patterson and Lois Parker Patterson. She is an enrolled member of the Seneca Nation of Indians and is of the Beaver clan.
Rosemary graduated from Gowanda High School, class of 1971. Afterwards, she attended Bringham Young University in Utah.
Throughout her adulthood, Rosie worked in several departments of the Seneca Nation of Indians, most recently as the Import Export Director in the Commerce department. Also, in the past, she served as a Councilor for the Seneca Nation of Indians.
Rosie was a member of the Church of Latter-Day Saints in Irving, NY. She loved spending time with her family, particularly her grandchildren. She will be fondly remembered for her delicious cooking skills and as a dedicated Buffalo Bills fan.
Surviving are her two daughters, Leslie John, Jimersontown, NY, Rochelle Patterson Pierce (Jack O’Rourke), Jimersontown, NY; and her son, Spencer “Boncie” Pierce Jr., Jimersontown, NY; her four grandsons, Christopher John, Abraham John, JP O’Rourke, and Arlo O’Rourke; and her great-granddaughter, Gá:šöje:ta’ John; her three sisters, Patricia Scanlan, Salamanca, NY, Jeanne Patterson, Killbuck, NY, and Judy Patterson, Cattaraugus, NY; multiple nieces and nephews.
Rosie is predeceased by her four sisters, Jenny John, Susan Patterson, Penny Patterson, and Diane Williams.
Friends may call at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St. Salamanca, NY on Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and on Friday, February 27, 2026 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Funeral services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cemetery, 12995 Rt. 438, Irving Rd., Gowanda, NY 14070 on Saturday February 28, 2026 at 11 a.m. with, President Dave Yarbor officiating.
Burial will be at the Church of Latter-Day Saints Cemetery.
E-Condolences can be sent to orourke.orourkefh@gmail.com or posted to facebook.com/onofh.
