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Patricia Risch Obituary
Patricia Ann Risch, 66, unexpectedly passed away Thursday, July 17, 2008 at her home in Biloxi, MS. She was born in Cripple Creek, Colorado on March 17, 1942. She was the only child of Eno Leslie DeWerff and Loretta Lorean (LaMontagne) DeWerff.
Pat Risch was raised in Victor, Colorado, graduated from high school in Boulder, CO. She began a life-long commitment to education at Otero Junior College, La Junta, CO, graduating with a degree in nursing. During her lifetime she earned numerous degrees including a Bachelors in Literature an MBA and a Masters in Nursing.
A registered nurse for over 40 years, Ms. Risch worked in numerous hospitals in the U.S. and other countries including Japan, Vietnam, Thibodaux, LA; Slidell, LA; Montgomery, AL; Seattle, WA., Boone, NC. and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. She was passionate about caring for others and was well known for her generous, compassionate nature. Family, to her, was a big quilt made up of many different people held together by love. She showed by the way she lived that all people deserved unconditional love.
She recently moved from her home in Montgomery AL, to Biloxi, MS.
She is survived by four children, Pat (Steve) Ptolemy, La Junta, Colo.; Peggy (Keith) Broussard, Biloxi, Miss.; Bob (Beth) Risch, Savannah, Georgia; and Greg (Benita) Risch, Helena, AL; grandchildren, Erik and Megan Broussard; Dustin, Katie, Chris and Shayla Ptolemy; Kelly, Jake, Susan and Ellen Risch; and Chloe and Sydney Risch. Also surviving is step brother, Bob Moran, of Philadelphia, New York.
She is preceded in death by her parents; step father Wayne Stanley and son Jim Risch.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2:00 p.m., July 21, 2008, at Nativity B.V.M. Catholic Cathedral in Biloxi where friends may visit one hour before service time. Interment will be in Victor, Colorado at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Tribute Department, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or www.stjudetributes.org under Patricia Ann Risch.
Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi, is in charge of arrangements.
View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.
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Memories and Condolences
for Patricia Risch
Sponsored by Pat's children.
Suli
July 15, 2025
Miss you very much Love suli
Randy Folse
August 18, 2008
I met some of you when I attended Jim's funeral in Biloxi. I had the privilege of working with Pat in Thibodaux. She often spoke highly of you and looked forward to family visits. She was smart, witty, kind, and stood vehemently behind her nurses. She was a very down to earth and approachable Director who didn't mind getting her hands dirty. My favorite quote (among many):
"Tell 'em to go piss up a rope!"
Greg Risch
August 11, 2008
All of the entries have meant the world to all of us. Thank you all. A memorial service will take place sometime next summer. If you would like to attend, please send me an email and I will make sure you are notified as soon as arrangements are made.
CAROLYN PRIDE
August 1, 2008
I WORKED WITH PAT FOR ABOUT 2YEARS SO WAS A WONDERFUL WOMAN AND SHE WILL BE DEARLY MISSED.
suli Henderson
July 26, 2008
Pat was a dear friend of mine i am shocked i have no words to express how kind loving she was
Kathryn "Casey" Kinser
July 25, 2008
Dear All,
Have just learned of Pat's death and can only say that she was the most wonderful woman I had to the pleasure to get to know. Words cannot express my feelings for Pat adequately. She was the older and wiser sister that I never had. The memories of Christmas years ago and then again in Rome are even more special now. Have just gotten this news of Pat's death here in Saudi and I do not have the correct contact numbers or I would be on the phone to you all. My love and prayers are with each and all of you. Just know that she was very loved and will live on in our hearts forever. If at all possible I would love to fly up for the internment if I am in the states. God bless and keep each and all. You will certainly be in my prayers as always. With love, Casey
Thomas Good
July 23, 2008
Dear Patricia Ann:
When I look into the eyes of Pat, Peggy, Bob and Greg and see the lessons and love of life...I know with certainty...you live on!!!! Thanks for your gifts that we all share. Love, Tom and family
Danna Caillouet
July 23, 2008
I worked with Pat at Thibodaux Regional. She was the manager that hired me into the ICU and eventually introduced me into management as a Unit Coordinator. I count Pat as one of my "mentors" as I accepted the ICU director position at Thibodaux Regional a few years ago. What stands out in my mind is her common sense, her very logical view of the world and healthcare and her sense of humor. She always has a little saying that was appropriate for each situation.
Her loss is felt throughout the world in the nursing profession. She leaves a legacy that you should all be very proud of. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Lelia Ellison
July 23, 2008
Dear Family:I was only allowed a brief period of time with Pat. During this brief time, I learned alot about how much she cared for the people she loved. Pat was a very caring, loving, and compassionate individual. She could not say enough about her family. She loved each member dearly. I think I heard every name mentioned in the obituary at some point during our aquaintance; with the love reflecting in Pat's eyes and smile as she spoke of each. She was exceptionally supportive of me and our staff during her interim here as DON. I want you to know that during that time, I lost my Brother, Mama, and Daddy and Pat was right beside me with support, love, and compassion throughout each death and burial. I love you Pat, you were a special lady and I will always thank God that I was allowed the time I was given with you and that I can truly say you were my friend. May God Bless each of you as you deal with her death in your own way. Know that I am thinking of you and praying for your comfort.
Sincerely, Lelia
karen cordell
July 23, 2008
Pat was such a lovely woman who will be missed by everyone who knew her. May you find comfort in knowing her family was the most important thing in her life. She talked about all of you and I felt as I knew each of you for Pat. May God grant you comfort in knowing she will be with always.
Theresa Ziz Whiteside
July 22, 2008
Peggy and family,
Having just lost my mother also, there is no other love you will ever receive like a mother's love. My prayers are with you and your family.
Take care and God Bless!
martha letard
July 22, 2008
Dear Risch Family, I hope that great memories will sustain you in dealing with the loss of your mother. Martha Collins LeTard
Terese Nicovich
July 22, 2008
Dearest Peggy, (and family)
I know your mother had to be a wonderful lady to have such a sweet and loving daughter. I have known this about you since we were kids at Nativity. I love you, and am praying for you and your family to find peace at this very sad time. Because of our faith, we know that life does not end, but only changes. Now you have the most special angel to look over you.
Love,
Terese
Donna Gibbons
July 22, 2008
Greg and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carole Veloso
July 21, 2008
I was privileged to work with Pat in La. She was by far one of the most special people I have ever met. Her laugh was contagious and she was so free to share it. Her knowledge and caring attitude made a significant differnece each and every day to many people . I missed her before and will miss her even more now knowing I will never hear her laughter. God bless you all and my prayers are with you... she loved you greatly
Tonie Ponceti
July 21, 2008
I was saddened to read of your loss. I first met Pat when she was director of Critical Care at Slidell Memorial Hospital. She hired me at the end of '88. I grew to respect her as a 'boss', nurse and most of all as a person.
Allow your tears to heal your hearts.
Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Becky Pettigrew
July 21, 2008
Peggy and family,
Fill your hearts and minds with all of the good memories that you have built with your mom over the years and they will bring you comfort during this time of grief. I never had the chance to meet Pat, but know that she must have been an amazing woman to raise a daughter like you, Peggy. I love you and am praying for you and your family.
Becky Pettigrew
Beauvoir Elementary School
Trecia Roby
July 21, 2008
Life is a story in volumes of three, The past, The present, and the yet to be. The first is finished and laid away, the second we are living day by day. The third, and the last of the volumes three is hid from sight God holds the key. Pat was a very witty person and spoke of her family often. I'm originally from Tupelo and we would share our Mississippi stories. May you continue to find peace in God's embrace.
Pattie Brenner
July 21, 2008
I had the privledge to work with Pat while in Puyallup, WA. We were both away from our families & she provided me with friendship & alot of laughs. I will never forget our "road trips" Pat spoke of her family frequently & shared many happy memories with me. I will think of her often.
Sandra Higgins
July 21, 2008
Peggy and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Linda White
July 21, 2008
I had the privledge of working with Pat at Jackson Hospital, Montgomery. She spoke of her family often and always with great affection. Also added to many meetings a sense of humor and was a fun and loving person in making her professional contributions. I know she will be greatly missed.
Oliver Bourgeois
July 21, 2008
While here at Thibodaux Regional Medical Center, a number of our family were fortunate to have worked with Pat and our entire family counted her as a dear friend. Our sincere condolences to her family.
The Bourgeois Family
Jennifer Adams
July 21, 2008
I worked with Pat at Thibodaux Regional in E.R. She was always a person I could talk to. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. She will be greatly missed.
Alva Barksdale
July 21, 2008
I worked with Pat in Montgomery & I am so sorry to hear that she passed away. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
DiAnne Rhodes
July 21, 2008
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I worked with Pat in Montgomery. She had a delightful sense of humor & we shared many occasions talking about our children & grandchildren. She loved her family so much. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Brenda Arceneaux
July 21, 2008
Your mother spent several years with us here at Thibodaux Regional. We shared some great moments. She was so proud when she received her 5 year pin. Besides her sense of humor, what I remember most is how much she would talk about her children and grandchildren. She loved all of you dearly. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Maria Villafane
July 21, 2008
Peggy,
Words are not enough to take away your grief, rely on the Lord for help and strenght. May he take away the sorrow that you bear.
Love and Prayers,
Maria Villafane
Brenda Stalnaker
July 20, 2008
I had the good fortune to work with Pat as a fellow consultant at Good Samaritan Hospital in Puyallup, WA. She was well respected by the staff on First Medical. I loved her sense of humor and willingness to help anyone at any time. I grew to count her as one great friend and superlative nurse.
Carl J (Bubba) Sentell Jr
July 20, 2008
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
Tim deWerff
July 20, 2008
While Pat and I never met face to face, we spent time exchanging e-mails talking about our common family heritage. She was a cousin I was just beginning to know and will surely miss not having had the chance to known her better. My heartfelt sympathy and prayers to her family. She will surely be missed.
Katryna Twilbeck
July 20, 2008
Peggy,
I feel for your loss. Please know that my thoughts are with you.
andrew canulette
July 20, 2008
Ms. Pat was a sweet woman, always kind to me. May she rest in peace.
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