Rosemary ‘Rosie’ Patterson

JIMERSONTOWN — Rosemary “Rosie” Patterson, 73, of Jimersontown, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, following an illness. She was surrounded by her children and grandchildren at Olean General Hospital.

She was born Dec. 4, 1952, in Gowanda. 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 Brigham 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.

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 of Jimersontown and Rochelle Patterson (Jack O’Rourke) Pierce of Jimersontown; her son, Spencer “Boncie” Pierce Jr. of Jimersontown; her four grandsons, Christopher John, Abraham John, JP O’Rourke and Arlo O’Rourke; her great-granddaughter, Gá:šöje:ta’ John; her three sisters, Patricia Scanlan of Salamanca, Jeanne Patterson of Killbuck and Judy Patterson of Cattaraugus; and multiple nieces and nephews.

Rosie is predeceased by her four sisters, Jenny John, Susan Patterson, Penny Patterson and Diane Williams.

Friends called on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, and Friday (Feb. 27, 2026) at the O’Rourke & O’Rourke Inc. Funeral Home, 25 River St., Salamanca. Funeral services were held Saturday (Feb. 28, 2026) at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Cemetery, 12995 Route 438, Irving Road, Gowanda, with President Dave Yarbor officiating. Burial would 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.