1924
Rita
2023
Rita Irene Johnson
February 5, 1924 — January 7, 2023
Rita Irene Johnson
Our beautiful “Aunt Rita” - Rita Irene Johnson, 98, passed away on January 7, 2023, one month shy of her 99th Birthday!
Mrs. Johnson was born in Lawrence, MA and moved to Fort Pierce, FL in 1996 coming from Bradenton, FL. Her life-long passion was music. At the tender age of 16, she opened the AFL/CIO Convention in Boston by singing the National Anthem. For over 30 years she sang with the international women’s barbershop group, “Sweet Adelines,” eventually becoming a “Queen of Harmony.” Right up to the time of her passing she sang songs and hymns with her caretakers, affectionally known as “Team Rita”: Chris, Carol, Victoria and Pauline.
For over 20 years, two days a week, she served as a Pink Lady at Lawnwood Regional Hospital guiding visitors in the Cardiac Care unit. She made many friends there; and was once featured in the Luminaries section of the Tribune. Our Aunt Rita was a strong and feisty woman who loved with all her heart. She is gone from our sight; living in our hearts forever. She may have been little in stature; huge was her love and her beautiful smile.
Survivors include her sister, Terri Sisson of Fort Pierce, FL; son, Dennis McMahon of Vero Beach, FL; niece, Elizabeth Trachtman of Fort Pierce, FL; her beloved nephew, Tom Finn of Tulare, CA; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael McMahon.
Services: A Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 19 from 2-4PM, at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce. Arrangements are under the direction of Haisley Funeral Home.
Our beautiful “Aunt Rita” - Rita Irene Johnson, 98, passed away on January 7, 2023, one month shy of her 99th Birthday!
Mrs. Johnson was born in Lawrence, MA and moved to Fort Pierce, FL in 1996 coming from Bradenton, FL. Her life-long passion was music. At the tender age of 16, she opened the AFL/CIO Convention in Boston by singing the National Anthem. For over 30 years she sang with the international women’s barbershop group, “Sweet Adelines,” eventually becoming a “Queen of Harmony.” Right up to the time of her passing she sang songs and hymns with her caretakers, affectionally known as “Team Rita”: Chris, Carol, Victoria and Pauline.
For over 20 years, two days a week, she served as a Pink Lady at Lawnwood Regional Hospital guiding visitors in the Cardiac Care unit. She made many friends there; and was once featured in the Luminaries section of the Tribune. Our Aunt Rita was a strong and feisty woman who loved with all her heart. She is gone from our sight; living in our hearts forever. She may have been little in stature; huge was her love and her beautiful smile.
Survivors include her sister, Terri Sisson of Fort Pierce, FL; son, Dennis McMahon of Vero Beach, FL; niece, Elizabeth Trachtman of Fort Pierce, FL; her beloved nephew, Tom Finn of Tulare, CA; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael McMahon.
Services: A Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 19 from 2-4PM, at Haisley Funeral Home, Fort Pierce. Arrangements are under the direction of Haisley Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Rita Irene Johnson, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Thursday, January 19, 2023
2:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
Haisley Funeral & Cremation Service
Guestbook
Visits: 22
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