Obituaries

Patricia Ann Stevenson, 85 of Oswego, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2024 at the home of her daughter.

  She was born in Oswego and was the daughter of the late Ralph and Mary Cummings Rourke. 

Patricia had a long-standing career at Operation Oswego County working as an Administrative Assistant helping to bring Industry into Oswego County until her retirement.  Patricia had a keen interest in politics and followed closely.  She enjoyed working with the Board of Elections as well.  Her Red Hat friends meant the world to her and she loved participating in and planning the events. She was a member of the Senior Camping Committee.  Patricia’s sharp mind for numbers and problem solving made her a formidable opponent in her weekly game of mahjong. She was never the one to miss browsing through or driving by on a golf cart, a garage sale or thrift store finding treasures along the way with her dearest friends, Roberta Barbera and Peggy Wright. 

Patricia was a Communicant of St. Mary’s Church.  She graduated from St. Mary’s School and from Oswego High School a year early with academic honors before attending Business School in Syracuse. Patricia believed in one's abilities to achieve with hard work and often ended letters to her children with the word, “Excelsior!” Which to them, meant, work hard to do your very best always.  And, she led by example. 

Patricia above all loved and lived for her children.  She worked hard to provide the very best academic opportunities for her children. She was always present in the stands of her children’s events at both St. Mary’s and Bishop Cunningham cheering loudly or behind the concession stands or the BINGO Hall doing her part supporting the Parent Associations. She joined in wherever she could from the fields to girl scout camp to the campus of Nazareth College. She was proud of and often shared her children’s and grandchildren’s many academic, athletic, musical and professional achievements. 

Patricia was so very proud of her Irish heritage and would celebrate it throughout the year.  She loved all music and old movies.  She sang with the Philomalians Choir in the 1970s. Patricia’s wit, sense of humor and sass made her a wonderful friend and mom. 

Patricia is survived by two sons, Michael Stevenson of Albany and David (Allison) Stevenson of Oswego and one daughter, Mary Lynne (Scott) Maxwell of Oswego.  She is also survived by two brothers, Donald Rourke of Oswego, and Kevin Rourke of Liverpool. Patricia is also survived by her beloved grandchildren, John Michael Stevenson, Conor Maxwell Stevenson and Emma Grace Stevenson who brought her the brightest light. 

Patricia was predeceased by sisters Cynthia Endres and Mary Jean Linsley.

Funeral services will be held at 6 pm, on her birthday, Wednesday, May 8th at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home. Calling hours will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 before the service at the funeral home, 112 East Second Street in Oswego.

Private burial will be in St. Paul’s Cemetery.