Patricia Edmonston Rousseau

Rousseau, Patricia Edmonston, 74, born on January 22, 1942 in Washington D.C. died at 4:35am on September 25, 2016 surrounded by people she loved. In her life she fought injustice and for the rights of people as an educator, advocate, and activist. Activism brought she and her husband, John Cunningham together. His support and encouragement led her to attend law school at Washington University in St. Louis. Her graduation in 1975 led to a career advocating for people oppressed by poverty and social injustice. Her legacy though is not in the cases she won, but the way that she treated everyone she met. Whether rich or poor, judge or inmate, addict or attorney her words were thoughtful, challenging, and always coming from a place of deep love for humanity. Pat also helped those in need as a member of the executive council and mission board at First Baptist Church, ABLE/LAWO (Legal Aid) board, Dayton Volunteer Lawyers Project board, and MLK Dayton board. She is reunited in death with her parents Albert and Catherine Edmonston, her husband, John Cunningham, and son Chester Cunningham. She is survived by her children Ross (Heather) Cunningham, Mark Rousseau Jr, Marguerite Wilson, Ann (Scott) Moore, Douglas (Christa) Cunningham, and adopted daughter Tonya Messenger. She is also survived by her first husband, Mark Rousseau Sr. (Father of Mark Jr.) and 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Her dear friends, who stood by her in her last moments Steve Guy, Kay Locke and Denia Herron. The service celebrating her life will be led by Jason Asplaugh, Pat's friend and pastor, at First Baptist Church Dayton, 111 W. Monument Street Friday, September 30, 2016 at 4:30pm. Donations can be made in honor of Pat to the First Baptist of Dayton Missions Board. Arrangements by CONROY FUNERAL HOME.