Rita C Everett

Rita C. Everett (nee Callanan), 96, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 19, 2026, in Johns Creek, Georgia.

Born October 8, 1929, in Turlock, California, to Vincent D. and Dorothy H. Callanan, Rita graduated from Orlando High School in 1946. She then attended Florida State College for Women (later renamed FSU) before transferring to the University of Florida where she graduated on June 6,1950 with a Bachelor of Arts in Education. In 1982, she earned a Masters degree in Educational Administration from Nova Southeastern University.

Over the course of her career as an educator, Rita taught 4th Grade at Edgewood Elementary School and English at North Fort Myers Junior-Senior High School where she also served as Dean of Girls. She later worked as a School Social Worker and ended her career as the Assistant Director of Student Services and FTE Administrator for Lee County School District. She retired in 1991. Rita also served on the school boards of St. Francis Xavier School and Bishop Verot High School in Fort Myers.

Rita was a lifelong avid reader and animal lover from early childhood. She also loved golf, cross-stitching and sewing, and cooking for family and friends. In her later years, Rita spent much of her spare time crocheting hats for cancer patients for The Encouragement Project charity. She also wrote her autobiography, Bloom Where You’re Planted, which she published for her family and friends. Proud of her heritage, Rita embraced all things Irish and received her Irish Citizenship in 1988.

She is predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Paul H. Everett, her son, Robert B. Everett, as well as her parents, sister Katherine Williams and brothers John and Richard Callanan.

Rita is survived by her other five children: J. Michael Everett of North Fort Myers, Florida; Patrick C. Everett (Patti), Ann M. Everett, and Joan E. Bielak (Mark) all of Atlanta, Georgia; and Joe Everett (Millie) of New Brunswick, Canada. She is also survived by her daughter-in-law, Cindy Everett (wife of her late son, Robert) of Rome, Georgia; her sisters, Dorothy Mitchell of Georgetown, Texas, and Jane F. Callanan of Orlando, Florida; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Rita was a proud and beloved grandmother of eight: Alison and Brian Everett; Jack Everett; Ethan (Kaylie), Alex and Rachel Everett; and Brandon (Caitlyn) and Matthew Bielak. In 2024, she joyfully welcomed two great-grandchildren, Harper Grace Bielak and Charles Francis Everett.

She was a devout member of St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Duluth, GA. Visitation will take place Tuesday evening, August 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home, Peachtree Corners Chapel, 5051 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Peachtree Corners, GA. A funeral Mass will be held the following morning, Wednesday, August 5, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Benedict's Catholic Church, 11045 Parsons Road, Duluth, GA.

Services will conclude in Gainesville, Florida. Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 6, from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Forest Meadows Cemetery Chapel - Central, 4100 NW 39th Ave., Gainesville, FL. The Rite of Christian Burial will follow immediately at 3:00 p.m., after which she will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband, Paul.

In lieu of flowers, the family politely requests donations in Rita’s name to The Encouragement Project (theencouragementproject.org) or a charity of your choice.