Rita Daisy Dawe (McKay)
May 19, 1926 to February 22, 2021
Obituary
It is with great sadness that the family of Rita Dawe announce her passing at Tiffany Village on February 22, 2021.
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.
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 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.
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.
Due to ongoing Covid concerns, a celebration of her life will take place at a later time.
“Her earthly journey is now complete
She has kept her promises and earned her sleep.”
To Bev, Don, Ivan and all the Dawe family
My deepest condolences to the Dawe family. I first met Rita when I met Bev in junior high school. She always treated me as her own daughter. We had some great adventures trough the years our trip to PEI is one I will never forget. She was one of the best cooks, I still make some of her recipes for my family.. Rest peacefully sweet lady.
To Don,Ivan ,Beverley and their families..Our sincere condolences on the passing of your mother. When my mother first met Mrs.Dawe her comment was,”I now know why Don is such a gentleman.” Remember ,”The rose still grows beyond the wall.”
Dave and Florence Morrissey
Sending love and virtual hugs to all the Dawe family, especially Ivan and Pat. Your beautiful Mom will always be remembered for her strength, kindness, and love for her wonderful family. We always enjoyed her company, and it is so special to think that she was here the day we finally made it back to Newfoundland! I can still see her smiling in the kitchen, enjoying the gang of movers and giving us all encouragement to get ‘er done!
Take care,
Heather and Gene Shave and family
Condolences on the passing of your mother our thoughts are with you at this time.
My condolences to the Dawe & McKay families on Rita’s passing. I remember her & her family when they visited South Brook many times from Gander during my childhood days. Byron & I were friends as youths & reconnected again at MUN I 1968-72. Her sister Crissie was my Aunt, married to Dad’s brother Bill. Lots memories with the McKay family of the day, in particular Jim. May the memories of her, friends & families sustain the bereaved.
The last time I visited Rita she was contented, knowing she would soon join Reg. It would be her final journey, one she looked forward to for many years.
Rita was a great friend to my mother, Vivian Warr. Mom stayed with Rita a few times when Mom still lived in Gander. She said Byron was so kind to give up his bed for her. My sons enjoyed visiting Rita and she always had treat bags for them at Halloween. Rita was a special person to our family and we have endearing memories of time spent with her.
Beverly And Family
I am so very sorry to learn of Rita’s passing. We became friends when living at Blackshire Court many years ago. She was a beautiful lady. I am very sorry for your loss but I know you have many wonderful memories of your mother. Please know I will keep you in my prayers
BEV, we are sorry to hear of your mom’s passing. May the wonderful memories you have created over the years help ease your pain. God Bless from Rosina and Gillian Jenkins.
To Don and Ivan Dawe and families:
So sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. I have many memories of spending time with the boys while vacationing in Rattling Brook with their Grandparents (Uncle Ike & Aunt Livie). Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys, cling to the many memories that you have of your loved one. May God bless you all in this time of sorry. Allan & Wavey Warford, King’s Point..
Thinking about the family and praying God’s continued comfort and peace will sustain you during this difficult time.
Cherish the memories and hold fast to the faith of one day being reunited, never to part anymore!
Dawe family:
Please accept our sincere condolences at this most difficult time. Please know you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
by PETE GLADYS and JAMES MORIARTY
Our deepest condolences go out to Pat and Ivan Dawe, Maggie and Mark Courish, and the rest of the family during this difficult time. Enduring the loss of a loved one is difficult in the best of times, and in these times, even more so. Please take care of yourselves and each other and know that you are all in our thoughts.
Maggie, so sorry to hear of your grandmother’s passing. Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Renee and Paul Antle
Heartfelt condolences to all the family.
I was an RN at the Janeway Children’s Hospital WHEN RITA WAS THE TEACHING RN FOR PATIENTS WITH DIABETIES..
A TERRIFIC NURSE AND A PLEASANT KIND PERSON.
MAY HER DEAR SOUL REST IN PEACE.
LILLIAN HAYDEN OLIVER
CALGARY
Sending our love and condolences to the wonderful Dawe family. Mrs. Dawe was a class act in every conceivable way. Visiting her apartment in St. John’s as kids felt a bit like visiting royalty! She earned the respect and reverence of everyone she encountered.
Krista Sacrey & Ami Hritz
We offer our sincere condolences to the fantastic family she raised and when we were in St. Johns she always treated us like family and we often referred to her as mother. We will never forget her.
We offer our sincere condolences on the passing of Mrs. Dawe. She was a lovely woman who raised a wonderful family and we’re sure she’s happily reunited with some of them at this very moment.
Rita (mother)
We were so happy to have had you in our life for so many years. You are the perfect example of one who faced adversity and rose above it. You lived your life with grace, kindness, dignity and respect. You have molded many people just by being and by being mother. We are also really glad you taught Ivan how to cook and did a darn good job of it too. Thank you for the memories!!!
Shirley Montague and Terry Delaney