Dawn Marie (Rago) Showalter

Dawn Marie (Rago) Showalter, 62, of Altoona, passed away Monday at UPMC Altoona surrounded by her loving family, after brain distress following cardiac arrest. She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Domenick and Rose Marie (Colabove) Rago.

Dawn was a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church, where she married Jeffery on Oct. 15, 1983. Although they divorced, they remained lifelong friends.

Dawn Marie is survived by her sister, Julianne Wolford (Don); son, Adam Showalter (Ashley); and daughter, Sara Hockenberry (Zach). She was a devoted “Gram” to her beloved grandchildren: Aythan, Jude, Anah, Adam Jr., Andrew and Ayva, they truly were the light of her life; sisters-in-law: Brigitte of Altoona and Penny of Painesville, Ohio; her uncle, Michael (Annette) Rago; her long-term live in companion, Scott McClellan; her best friend since childhood, Renee Colbert McAlevy; and a special cousin, Andrea Hollern of Altoona; along with many many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

Dawn was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Louis and Mark; and great-nephew, Jacob Rago.

Dawn was a 1981 graduate of Altoona Area High School with her Dental Assistant certification from Altoona Vo-Tech.

She worked as a dental assistant, a bartender at Rubine's Bar and a hostess at Granny's Family Restaurant, then caring many years for her grandchildren and her father before his passing.

Dawn was fiercely loyal to her family and friends. She loved her family unconditionally along with her country and President. She enjoyed coffee, candles, the Wizard of Oz, cooking, Christmas, Pittsburgh Steelers football, yacht rock, social media connections and family trips to the beach.

Friends will be received from 2 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, at Santella Funeral Home, where a vigil for the deceased will be held.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 10, 2026, at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church. Committal will be at Calvary Cemetery.

Dawn’s wish was to help others by organ donation and give to others.

Thank you Santella & Axe Funeral Homes for the service of preparation and committal by Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution towards her final arrangements at Santella Funeral Home, 1106 Eighth Ave., Altoona PA 16602.

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