Tanya Dawson

Devoted to her career and her loving family

WATERBURY- It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Tanya Renee Dawson on April 14th, 2025, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, at the age of 52.

Tanya was born on June 28th, 1972, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Delilah Jarrett (née Dawson) and the late Tyrone L. McCormick Sr. A proud graduate of Crosby High School, Class of 1991, Tanya continued her education at Porter and Chester Technical Institute, where she earned her diploma as a Licensed Practical Nurse in 2019.

Tanya’s passion for helping others shone through in every aspect of her life. She worked for four years as a dedicated LPN at Autumn Lake at Bucks Hill, where her compassion and care touched many lives. A true jack of all trades, Tanya was well known in her community—whether you knew her as your favorite tax preparer, your hairstylist, your wedding officiant or the smiling face at Ocean State Job Lot, where she faithfully worked for over 20 years.

Tanya had a heart as big as her smile. She never met a stranger, and her warmth created lifelong bonds wherever she went. Her home was a place of laughter, love, and open arms—no one ever left hungry or without a good game of cards. She loved to travel, enjoyed a trip to the casino now and then, but her greatest joy came from spending quality time with her family and friends.

Tanya is survived by her beloved daughters, Tashyia and Tayaja Dawson; her devoted mother and stepfather, Delilah and Calvin Jarret; and her cherished grandchildren, Blake Forbes and Theo Dawson. She also leaves behind her loving siblings: Takasha Dawson, Tyrone (Catherine) McCormick Jr., Tavonna McCormick, Marquita Sands, Chantel Jarrett, and Brittany Sands. Tanya's legacy lives on in a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren, and friends—many of whom she helped raise and loved as her own.

She was preceded in death by her father, Tyrone L. McCormick Sr.; her grandparents, Kenneth “Tireman” Dawson, Dorthy Dawson, and Elvira McCormick; and her dear aunt and uncle, Deborah Dunn and Allen Dunn.

Tanya’s presence was a blessing to all who knew her. Her laughter, generosity, and boundless love will be missed beyond words, but her spirit will remain forever in the hearts of those she touched.

Funeral services for Ms. Dawson will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025 at 12:00 noon at Casey’s Eastside Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Care 1987 East Main St Waterbury CT 06705. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of her family. Relatives and friends may pay their respects and visit with the Dawson family from 10:00 am until the service commences at 12:00 noon at the funeral home. Loving kindness is always welcome, and it only takes a moment to offer a message of condolence or words of comfort or share a memory of someone important to you with your family and friends. Please visit the funeral home’s tribute page at www.caseyfunerals.com to do so.