Patricia "Pat" O'Gorman

Patricia A. "Pat" O'Gorman, age 79 of Cottage Grove, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025.A graduate of Cannon Falls High School (1964) she earned her Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science from the College of St. Catherine in 1968, where she received the St. Thomas Moore Award for Leadership and Service. She went on to receive her Juris doctor from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1971.

Patricia began her legal career with the Minnesota Department of Public Welfare as an Appeals Referee before serving in the Ramsey County Attorney's Office, where she prosecuted both adult and juvenile matters and handled significant civil litigation. She later served in the Midland County Prosecuting Attorney's Office in Michigan, rising to Chief Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Returning to private practice, she became vice president of Morse, Clinton & O'Gorman, Ltd., and later served as president and manager of Clinton & O'Gorman, P.A. In 1991, she founded Patricia A. O'Gorman, P.A., focusing her practice on family and domestic relations law until her retirement in July 2016.

Admitted to practice in Minnesota and several federal courts, Patricia built a distinguished career in Minnesota family law, serving the courts as a Special Master, Guardian ad Litem, Special Magistrate, and Parenting Consultant. Widely recognized as a Super Lawyer and among the state's top family law attorneys, she was respected for her sharp mind, fairness, and steadfast advocacy for children and families. Her work reflected both her deep legal knowledge and her compassion for families in complex and emotionally charged circumstances. As a recognized leader in her field, she was named a Super Lawyer for more than two decades and was honored among the Top 100 Super Lawyers, Top Women Lawyers, and Top Family Law Attorneys in Minnesota. In addition to her practice, she was a frequent lecturer and presenter for Minnesota Continuing Legal Education, the Minnesota State Bar Association, The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, and local bar associations. She was known as both a mentor and trusted voice within the legal community.

Beyond the courtroom, she lived with equal determination and spirit. Born on November 3, 1946, to Robert and Delores O'Gorman she was the eldest of 7 children - 5 brothers and 1 sister, a role she carried with pride. She believed that every birthday should be celebrated with a Snoopy cake she made herself. She shared her love of the arts with her nieces and nephews through trips to see Children's Theater productions. She loved the game of bridge and never quite forgave her brothers for failing to marry fellow bridge players.

After retiring, she traveled the world visiting all seven continents. Antarctica was especially meaningful to her, returning seven times. It was there that her remarkable life came to a close.

She is survived by three brothers, Babe (Susan), Tim ( Linda), and Joe (Sue); sister, Mary; sister-in-law, Lynn; six nephews and nieces, Jake, Megan, Ahren, Joey, Brenna and Grady; 8 great nieces and 2 great nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bob and Laurie, and her brothers, Dan and Mark. She lived boldly, argued brilliantly and traveled fearlessly. She leaves a space we can't fill - and a serious shortage of Christmas cards featuring penguins.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026 from 1:00 - 3:00 pm at Lundberg Funeral Home, 5839 Hwy 19 Blvd, Cannon Falls.

A private interment will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Pat's memory to the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, Planned Parenthood, and Friends in Need Food Shelf.