Patricia Ann Birch

Forever in our thoughts, always in our hearts.

Obituary

Patricia Ann Birch, age 74, of Monticello, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at CentraCare Monticello Hospital.

Born on November 23, 1950, in Fergus Falls to Garland and Gwendolyn (Paulson) Birch, Patricia lived a life defined by kindness, resilience, and unwavering optimism. She graduated from Moorhead State University with a degree in Psychology. She went on to serve as a corrections officer in Ottertail County until her retirement-a career she took great pride in, especially for the camaraderie she shared with her colleagues.

Patricia was an avid reader, a devoted dog lover-cherishing her Boston Terriers and, most recently, her Havanese, Bella -and a proud Minnesotan who loved spending time at the family cabin on West Battle Lake. She enjoyed traveling when she could and approached life always believing in the good in people.

A testament to her strength and gratitude for life, Patricia was a proud lung transplant survivor, receiving her gift of life in 2018.

She is survived by her children, Brandon (Andreja) Williamson of Big Lake and Keri (Brandon) McCollum of Sartell; and her beloved grandchildren, Kaitlin, Sydney, Zachary, Gwenyth, Trevor, Ty, and Ruby. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Patricia's passing was unexpected, and while her family and friends are spread across many states, an online memorial will be held later in November so that all who loved her may come together to share memories and celebrate her life. An in-person remembrance will be planned at a later date. In honor of Patricia's life and her transplant journey, the family asks that those wishing to support her memory consider becoming an organ donor or making a donation to Nora's Home in Houston, where she resided for several months following her transplant. Donations can be made at www.norashome.org.

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Welcome to Patricia Birch’s Online Memorial

We’ve created this space to honor and celebrate the life of Patricia Birch, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend. Because our family and friends are spread across the country, this online memorial allows us all to come together, no matter where we are, to share memories and keep her spirit alive.

Please feel free to add your photos, stories, and reflections—every memory helps paint the beautiful picture of the life she lived and the love she gave. This site will remain here forever, so you can visit anytime in the future to remember, reflect, and celebrate Patricia’s legacy.

Gallery

Memory wall

December 15, 2025

I had the privilege and pleasure to work with Pat for 24 years at the Otter Tail County Detention Facility. We had a lot of fun as Programmers. It was a blessing to maintain our friendship after retirement, her move to Texas, back to Minnesota, back to Texas, and again finally back to Minnesota. I will miss my friend.

John Barthel

December 11, 2025

Our deepest sympathies for the loss of your mom. Hugs and prayers.
Stewart and Patty Erickson

Stewart and Patty Erickson

December 7, 2025

Found another great photo today. Miss you mom.

KERI MCCOLLUM

Family tree

Garland Birch

Gwendolyn Birch

Keri McCollum

Children

Zachary 

Trevor 

Brandon Williamson

Children

Kaitlin

Sydney

Gwenyth

Ty

Ruby

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Keri McCollum

Zachary 

Trevor 

Brandon Williamson

Kaitlin

Sydney

Gwenyth

Ty

Ruby

Patricia Birch

Favorites

Service

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