Patricia Freeman

Patricia Louise Freeman, 18, Bismarck, passed away on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, after an accidental fentanyl overdose. Cremation has taken place. No services will be held at this time.

Patricia was born June 24, 2004, in Coeur d’Alene Idaho, to Caroline O’Keefe and Thomas Freeman.

Thick blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, a bun wobbling about on the top of her head and the sound of her dragging and clomping her feet, you knew when Trish was coming. She was either yelling a country song at the top of her lungs, or possibly just yelling, either or, you were shaking your head far before she ever rounded the final corner into your eyesight. Quick witted and potty mouthed, she was not about to take grief from anyone and was not afraid to speak what was on her mind.

Even though she was young, Patricia had a work ethic that would make jaws drop. Whether it was cleaning, or being outside doing strenuous work, Trish was sure to have a smile on her face while she did it. Trish was drawn to working with horses and boy did she love them. While she was one with a strong and fearless personality, regardless of how much she loved the gentle giants, she was sometimes quick to get scared of even the nicest horses and was known to briefly hide while there was still work to be done (poking her head out a door and asking, “are they gone?”). A girl of little patience, most would be shocked to know that Trish loved to put together puzzles. Only her and a few choice people were allowed to work on these puzzles, otherwise, regardless of only 20 pieces left to go, Trish had to take the whole thing apart and start over again.

The only person that saw a true soft side to Trish was her little brother, Michael. While being his protector, Trish did everything with him in mind. While creating projects, Michael was always going to be the recipient of what was made.

While everyone is saddened by Trish’s early passing, she was able to successfully save the lives of three people through organ donation. Trish’s family and friends also hope that her story will reach those in need and save more lives.

Patricia is survived by her mother, Caroline O’Keefe; stepdad, Tony Jensen, Bismarck; brother, Michael O’Keefe; boyfriend, Jared Johnson, Bismarck; uncles, Riley (Stormy) and Bill Heninger, Idaho; grandma, Caroline Johns, Bismarck; cousins, Jace and Baily Heninger, Idaho; and Trish’s Minot Campus Ranch Family.

Patricia was preceded in death by her father, Thomas Freeman; grandpa, Mike Johns; and great-grandparents, Joseph and Caroline Ibach.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Patricia’s name to Pride and Joy horse rescue.