Rita Irene Dawson

Rita Irene Dawson, 89, of Okeechobee, Florida, passed away on March 6, 2026. Born on August 12, 1936, in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, to Edward A. Topp and Frances Rita Covoulion, she had been a resident of Okeechobee for more than 50 years. A longtime member of the First Baptist Church of Okeechobee, the Okeechobee Rotary, and the Society of American Magicians, Rita found great joy in traveling, assisting her husband with his magic shows, spending time in nature, and sharing her deep faith with those around her. Above all, she cherished the moments spent with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Ron Dawson; her parents, Edward A. Topp and Frances Rita Covoulion; and her twin sister, Leta Coates.

Rita is survived by her son, Scott Dawson and his wife Michelle of Okeechobee, Florida; Dan Brookhouse and his wife Brenda of Trenton, Ontario; her niece, Patsy Ricci; her grandchildren, Pyke Dawson, Joel Brookhouse, and Ryan Brookhouse; and five great-grandchildren.