It is with great sadness that the family of Rita Dawe announce her passing at Tiffany Village on February 22, 2021.

Rita was the first child born to Walter and Pearl McKay of South Brook, NL. She started her life as a premature infant but went on to a long life of love, family, friends and travel.

Rita is predeceased by her husband Reginald, who died tragically in 1967, her sons Byron (2011) and Merrick (2015), her daughter-in-law Bernice (2015), her brothers Calvin, Eddy and Max McKay, her sister Crissie Dicks, her brother-in-law  and wife, Pearce and Verna Dawe.

Rita will be lovingly remembered by her children: Don Dawe (Linda) Halifax, NS, Ivan Dawe (Patricia) Norris Point, NL, Beverley Simmons (Russell) St. John's, NL, daughters-in-law: Lorraine Dawe, Penticton, BC and Margaret Dawe, St. John's, NL; her six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren: Ian Dawe, Neal (Emilie) Dawe (children Simone, Weston and Nora), Shaun(Samantha) Dawe (children Hannah and Sophie), Adrienne Dawe, Nadia Dawe (son Raymond), Maggie (Mark) Courish (children Clara and Amy),  her brother Jim (Ruby) McKay, Wetaskiwin, AB, her sister-in-law Eileen McKay, South Brook, NL and a large number of beloved nieces and nephews.

For several years, at her home in St. John's, NL, Rita was the caregiver to Reg's parents (Isaac and Lavinia Dawe). She was the glue that kept the family together with cards, letters, phone calls and well chosen gifts in celebration of every special occasion. Her home was a welcoming place for all out of town family and friends, where there was always an extra place at the table. It is not surprising that many of our friends affectionately called Rita "Mother".

Rita travelled with family and friends to parts of Europe, the United States and Canada, but her trips to Edmonton, Halifax and Ottawa to visit her grand and great- grandchildren were always the most special ones.

Rita had a deep abiding faith in God, was a long-time and active member of the UCWA and for many years volunteered at the Agnes Pratt Nursing Home in St. John's.

The family is very appreciative of the excellent care Mother received at Tiffany Village, her home for the last five years.

Rita had a long and well lived life. She will be forever cherished and remembered for her love, thoughtfulness and generosity.

The Celebration of Life service was held from Ocean View United Church, Rattling Brook, NL. on August 26, 2021 at 2:00 pm with Reverend Harry Oake officiating. Urn bearers were sons Donald and Ivan Dawe. Inurnment was at the Ocean View United Church Cemetery, Rattling, Brook, NL. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Harry Oxford of Green Bay Funeral Home, Springdale.

"Her earthly journey is now complete

She has kept her promises and earned her sleep."