Patrice "Pat" Rooney

Patrice “Pat” Cecile Rooney, 72, of Red Wing, left this world peacefully on January 21, 2025, at her home surrounded by the love of her husband and family. Born on April 24, 1952, in Red Wing, Pat was the beloved daughter of Stuart and Arlin (Janisch) Schmidt. She graduated from Red Wing High School in 1970 and then attended Winona State University, where she made history as the first female athletic trainer during her sophomore year. Pat's career spanned various roles in the community, including positions at Goodhue County National Bank, Corner Drug, United Way and Noesen and Associates. In 1972, she married John Moore with whom she welcomed three cherished children: Kate, Emily and Tom. Although her marriage to John ended in divorce, Pat found a deep-rooted love with William “Bill” Rooney in 1993, capturing the hearts of his daughters, Shannon and Emily. They were united in marriage in 2006, further solidifying the unwavering love they all had for each other. 

Known for her thoughtfulness, creativity, and artistic talents, Pat readily shared her gifts with everyone she encountered. She found joy in listening to music, sewing, baking sweet treats, spending precious moments at their cabin and basking in the sun. Whether making handmade jewelry, crafting fire starters, or creating beautiful signs, Pat's creative spirit was an inspiration to all. She cherished her time enjoying Caribou drinks with dear friends and sisters. She found pure joy in spoiling her grandchildren and embraced every moment spent with family.

Pat faced health challenges with remarkable grace, never allowing them to define her spirit. She always offered a smile and a way to uplift those around her by enriching their lives with her unique sense of humor and laughter. As a member of the Church of St. Joseph, her strong faith and unwavering positivity were a beacon of hope for all who loved her. Pat is survived by her loving husband, Bill; her children, Kate (Josh) Babcock, Emily (Brad Daniels) Moore, Thomas Moore, Shannon (Marnee FitzGerald) Rooney, and Emily Rooney; five grandchildren, Evelyn Babcock, Michael Babcock, Micah Rooney-Johnson, Howard Moore, and Hagen Moore. She will also be missed by her five sisters, Jane Gisslen, Mary (Chuck Busdosh) Schmidt, Margaret (George) Noesen, Stacie (John) Gorman, and Andrea (Dave) Scamehorn; brother-in-law Dan Ryan; sister-in-law Maureen (Dennis) Welsch; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Stuart and Arlin Schmidt; her sister, Gail Ryan; her brother, Steven Schmidt; sister-in-law Mimi Volker; her in-laws, Harold and Virginia Rooney; and her cherished little buddy, Dodger. The family would like to extend sincere gratitude to: Lindsay Johnson, a special family friend and caregiver; Mayo Clinic teams (specifically the Wound Care Unit in Rochester, Cannon Falls Hospital and Hospice); all her family and friends for the compassion, love and support they provided to Pat. Your kindness will always hold a special place in our hearts.

A Mass of Resurrection will be on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 12 noon at the Church of St. Joseph, with Rev. Brandon Theison presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass. A private family burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the National Scleroderma Foundation, Upper Great Lakes Chapter, which can be found at https://scleroderma.org. Arrangements by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Bodelson-Mahn Chapel.