Pattie Gwendolyn O'Rourke

Pattie Gwendolyn O'Rourke passed away unexpectedly in Albuquerque, New Mexico on April 16, 2025 on the feast of St. Bernadette. She was 89 years of age. Pattie was preceded in death by her loving husband Ferrell O'Rourke, son John O'Rourke (Enedina) and brother John Kirkland. She is survived by her son Michael O'Rourke (Joanne), daughter Theresa O'Rourke, sister Joanne Kilner, and 7 grandchildren: Aidan O'Rourke, Megan Osterman (Michael), Brendan O'Rourke, Colin O'Rourke, Patrick O'Rourke, Emily O'Rourke and Melissa O'Rourke and one great grandchild Luke Osterman.

Pattie was born in Overton, Texas to Willie and Mary Tate. She lived in New London, Texas where her father was a teacher at the local high school. In 1937, when she was 16 months old, her father was tragically killed in the New London school gas explosion which led to legislation requiring odor in natural gas.

In 1941, the family moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where Pattie attended St. Peters school. The positive influence of the Sisters of St. Casimir led to her Catholic conversion in the 6th grade. This was the beginning of a lifelong journey Pattie took of living her Catholic faith.

In 1950, Pattie and her family moved to Albuquerque, where she attended Highland High school and played saxophone in the marching band. After her high school graduation in 1954, she attended the University of New Mexico where she was a member of the Catholic Newman Center. In 1960, she worked at Sandia Base and took a 2-year assignment overseas as a secretary for the civil service in Seoul, South Korea. Upon completion of her assignment, Pattie returned to Albuquerque where she joined the Pope Pius the XII Catholic Singles club and met her future husband, Ferrell. They married in April, 1963 and raised 3 children.

In 1969, Ferrell and Pattie joined the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity (SOLT), a Catholic Missionary Society and relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. Pattie loved these 2 years as a missionary witnessing her faith while living with the intercity poor. Pattie and Ferrell later drove down to visit other SOLT missionaries in Belize, Central America.

In 1971, Pattie returned to New Mexico and joined Project Life which became one of her lifelong passions. She sidewalk counseled and helped obtain assistance for mothers contemplating an abortion.

Pattie was a lifelong member of the Albuquerque Catholic Community. At Annunciation parish, Pattie introduced Marriage Enrichment, lead the altar servers, and was a member of the women's guild. At Sangre de Cristo parish, Pattie played piano for the Spanish choir. Recently, Pattie joined St. Bernadette parish where she attended daily mass and enjoyed the many social activities. She was also a member of the Padre Pio Prayer group. Pattie was an avid reader and loved the National Catholic Register. She also enjoyed watching EWTN news and movies depicting the lives of the saints.

Pattie loved to travel with her favorite overseas trips being those to Ireland and the Holy Land where she renewed her wedding vows. She also enjoyed trips to see the recent total solar eclipse, Disneyland Christmas, and New York's St. Patrick's Day parade. Local events she enjoyed included the Balloon Fiesta, the NM State Fair, the Luminary tour, and the Gathering of Nations. She enjoyed fishing at Corkins Cabins and deer hunting in Corona. Her favorite local restaurants included the Golden Corral and Pizza Barn and she enjoyed the corned beef and cabbage at the annual Brother Mathias St. Patricks Day dinner.

But most of all, Pattie loved people. She believed the Lord sent everyone into her life for a reason and she treated all with love and dignity. She had beautiful blue eyes and an infectious smile. Pattie left an indelible mark on all those who knew her and she will be missed dearly. She lived her life for the day she would meet her Lord and Savior.

We would like to thank the Albuquerque Police Department, the Firefighters and First Responders from Fire Station #9, and the surrounding neighbors and friends who responded so quickly in our time of need.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Life Ministries US - Pro Life Witness at PO Box 50351, Albuquerque, NM 87181 or The Shrine of St. Bernadette Catholic Church located at 11509 Indian School Road NE, Albuquerque, NM 87112.