Among them were a large number of Irish Catholic immigrant families. The O'Connell family set aside a 4 acre portion of their homestead for the Catholic cemetery. Originally St. Anthony church was close to the cemetery. Over the years the parish church relocated and the cemetery fell into disrepair due to lack of volunteers and vandalism. The only water available was from the creek that runs on the west side of the cemetery, and there was no fence.
Water is now available from two spigots and a fence runs along the north end.
There is no irrigation. Associated Catholic Cemeteries of the Archdiocese of Seattle assumed responsibility for St. Patrick's in August 1989. Gethsemane Cemetery in Federal Way provides the maintenance and oversees the operation and records. At this time a Care Fund was established to ensure long term future maintenance. Much of St. Patrick's beauty comes from its pastoral look.