Rita M. Hawkins 1931-2023

Rita was born Oct. 25, 1931, in Weathersfield, the daughter of John A. and Mary Michaels Laase.

Rita was a 1949 graduate of Niles McKinley High School.

Following graduation, Rita moved to Cypress, Calif., where she married the love of her life, Earl A. Hawkins. Residing in Cypress until 1999, Rita and her family were parishioners of St. Ireanaus Catholic Church. Rita worked in the dietary department for Buena Park Nursing Home, retiring in 1970.

Upon returning to Warren in 1999, Rita and her family belonged to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Besides her work and being a proud homemaker, Rita enjoyed ceramics, gardening and volunteering.

Rita will always be remembered by her sons, John E. (Sherry) Hawkins of Ashburn, Va., and Ron C. (Lynn) Hawkins of Davidsonville, Md.; grandsons, Daniel (Danielle) Hawkins of Silver Spring, Md., and Nathan Hawkins; and sisters, Mary Germann of Bedford, Patricia (Ken) Evans of Howland and Cathy Dooley of Niles.

Besides her parents, Rita was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years, Earl A. Hawkins; and a sister, Jean Bondy.

Family and friends may visit and pay tribute to Rita on Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023. There will be a Rosary service at 9:30 a.m., with visitation following from 10 to 11 a.m., at the Peter Rossi and Son Memorial Chapel of Warren, 1884 North Road NE, Warren.

A funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. at the funeral home, with the Rev. Ed Stafford presiding.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Rita’s name to the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, 812 Youngstown Kingsville Road SE, Vienna, OH 44473.

Family and friends may visit www.peterrossiandsonfh.com to view this obituary and / or send condolences to Rita’s family.

(special notice)