Dawn Michelle Guidry

February 11, 1975 - October 22, 2021

Dawn Michelle Guidry of Cape Coral, FL, was welcomed home by her heavenly father on October 22, 2021.  She was a former resident of Vernon and Grand Blanc Michigan.

She is survived by her daughter, Leira Caruso of Cape Coral; her mother, Sharon Guidry of Cape Coral; siblings, Denise Hettinger (Roger May) of Lansing, MI, Diana (Kirk) Grzelka of Dryden, MI and Jimmie Guidry Jr. (Jill Wilson) of Homosassa, FL; niece, Janelle (Chase) Jackson of Yelm, WA; grandchildren, Carson and Kingston of Cape Coral, FL; and her Fiancée, Bryce Clerk of Ft. Myers, FL.  Included as survivors are a great-niece and three great-nephews, all of Yelm, WA; Garret Caruso, who called Dawn “his second mom”, and his three children of Detroit, MI; and many other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmie Guidry Sr.

Dawn was employed as Controller for Naples Soap Company and also as an Intuit (QuickBooks) On-Line expert.  She was the former owner of Jimmie Allen Management, LLC, an accounting and managerial service-based business that served clients throughout Florida and Michigan.  She was a financial volunteer as a member of St. Katherine Drexel Catholic Church and served as Organizer of the SWFL Basket Brigade.

Dawn received her Associates Degree in Science from Rasmussen College and Certifications in several areas of gemology from the Gemological Institute of America.

Dawn will be remembered by her family as young and vibrant, independent and head-strong, sassy and smart, fun and fierce, organized and chaotic, flexible and hard-headed, opinionated and open-minded, but most of all compassionate and loving.  Dawn had a huge personality and a heart to match.  Her laugh was distinct and contagious, and when she laughed really hard she’d sometimes snort, especially when watching ”Madea” movies with her mom and daughter, or on the phone with one of her “BFFs”,  Jill, for the morning commute.

The dichotomy to her sense of humor and hysterical laughter was how she would cry at the drop of a hat when something touched her heart.  She was quick to offer assistance or to help when needed, willing to listen and to offer advice, and would rally when you needed a cheerleader.  Her strong faith led her to pray with you, or for you, whatever you needed in the moment to face the hurdles and challenges of life.

She was a hardworking single mother to Leira and a fun, attentive grandmother to CJ and KC.  She loved having celebrations, often times not needing a reason to make it a special occasion.  She would turn her charcuterie board into a dream display of ice cream toppings and have impromptu ice cream socials; everyone was welcome.

It is easy to see how many people had a deep connection with Dawn by the number of people who posted on social media “She was my best friend”.  Dawn’s friends will remember her as being fiercely loyal and a caring soul with a big faith in God and family.  Whether you were a friend of 40 years, or someone she had recently come to know, she would be there whenever needed and always sent “love, hugs and kisses”.  She was referred to as selfless and “A Million Dollar Friend” who always went above and beyond doing for others.

Dawn’s co-workers will remember her by her signature “YOU ROCK” emails as encouragement for her “Soap Team” and many other teams that she worked with.  She was a bright light and would break out in dance if she felt the beat.  She started meetings with a positive thought or reflection for the day before getting down to business and was a true “bad-ass” at the books!  Dawn’s work ethic and drive influenced her niece Janelle to join the profession of Accounting, providing support and encouragement along the way.  

Dawn was an avid lover of Cajun, Italian, Mexican and Lebanese cuisine, the beach, Michigan and Dallas Cowboy football, NHL Hockey, traveling and HIGH heels.  I’m sure we will all remember the click-clack of her approaching as we silently wondered – – HOW IN THE WORLD can she walk in those?  The irony is Dawn “not in high heels” – – was a bit of a klutz!

Daughter, Sister, Mother, Grandmother, Aunt, Fiancée and Friend, Dawn will be remembered for her infamous “GO WE GO” and #GuidryStrong.  She will remain forever in our hearts.

The family would like to extend special gratitude and appreciation to the following:

Bryce Clerk and Colleen Gohn for their extraordinary efforts during Dawn’s illness.  What you did for Dawn, and for the family, will never be forgotten.

The staff at Gulf Coast Medical Center, especially the teams on 7 West, ICU 3 North and 5 West; for their compassion, care, understanding and accommodation for all the people who showed up at the hospital to visit Dawn.  We were told by several people at the hospital that they have never seen that many visitors for one patient;

Dawn’s providers through the Lee Health Group;

Dawn’s friends and neighbors, Tammy Tocco and Patricia & Steven Bachand, for their gracious, helping hands;

Family and friends who have donated to the Help Dawn Recover/Dawn Guidry Memorial Fund via Go Fund Me, or who have sent private donations, your generosity moves us beyond words.

A Celebration of Life will be held on November 13, 2021 at 10:00 AM at Cape Christian Fellowship Church, located at 2110 Chiquita Blvd S., Cape Coral, FL with Pastor Dennis officiating. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions in memory of Dawn Guidry are suggested to the “Dawn Guidry Memorial Fund” via www.GoFundMe.com, or directly to Leira Caruso C/O 505 SE 8th Place, Cape Coral, FL 33990.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.

Guestbook

  1. Leira Oct 28, 2021 at 6:54 pm

    Carson, King and I miss you ever so much ma! We are enjoying reminiscing all the memories with you here at the house. The boys sleep so peacefully here btw! Just like at Mimi’s house. Xoxo Fly high sweet girl, Booboo

  2. Rita and Lenny (Pete) Malorin Oct 28, 2021 at 9:05 pm

    Dawn will always have a special place in my heart for her love of her Cajun family.RIP Dawn you have earned your angel wings.

  3. Colleen Gohn Oct 29, 2021 at 5:16 am

    Missing your weekly calls just to check up on me and girl talk.. I know you are watching over all of us right now.. Love and miss you❤️

  4. Bethany Freebury Oct 29, 2021 at 10:07 am

    I know you are smiling down at Nova and Mackenzie and have a shield of protection around them for us. I know how badly you wanted to see them and now you can look down and see them whenever you want. I’m so glad I got to talk to you the last time I did. The last thing you ever said to me was “I love you” and that makes me so happy. We love you Dawn and will miss you.

  5. Tina Gnadt Oct 29, 2021 at 10:44 am

    I cant believe shes no longer here.. she was such an amazing/beautiful soul! I will never forget the memories and me living far away and coming home and she made sure she came over to spend time together..
    I refuse to say good-bye.. So, til we meet again my beautiful friend!

  6. Magy Endsley Oct 29, 2021 at 12:27 pm

    Very sorry for her loss. My deepest condolences to all the family. She will be remembered fondly as she was a spitfire! Loving memories hold you all steadfast during this time.

  7. Sue Thornell Oct 29, 2021 at 1:11 pm

    There are just NO words for me to express the relationship she and I had. What a wonderful person you were. There are not enough stars in the sky to represent how vibrant, unique and beautiful she was. REBEL!! She had the heart of a giant. Dawn loved her family. She went over and beyond to keep in touch and visit with her family from Texas ( trunk full of shoes and boots LOL) I will miss that. I will miss her.
    She is in paradise now. I love you all. I wish I could take all this pain away, I would!!

  8. Liz Lacy Oct 29, 2021 at 7:41 pm

    To the Guidry Family, Meeting Dawn several times the only song that comes to mind is “I did it my way ” by Frank Sinatra please google the song. Dawn surly did it her way. God Bless her daughter, Mother, sisters and her Brother, her friends and coworkers. #FrankSinatra #MyWay #MyWay50

  9. Nieves M Pinero Oct 29, 2021 at 11:22 pm

    All I can say this is still so unreal to me, so unreal that I almost grabbed my phone to try and call Dawn today. Still hard to accept she is gone, My little soul sister, best friend and confidant I will forever cherish our great memories and our special soul bond we will always share. All I know is I have a badass angel on my side now. Damn I miss her so, but I know she is in a better place now, where there’s no pain only pure love and bliss 💞
    Till we meet again sis…
    Love you always,
    Nieves & Enrique

  10. Glenn Battreal Oct 30, 2021 at 10:28 am

    So sorry for the loss of dawn.family will be in my prayers…so please lord hold your hand out for dawn in Jesus name.

  11. DOROTHY SCOTT Oct 30, 2021 at 3:41 pm

    Beautifully spoken of a Child of God.

  12. Ban Alemarah (Flowers) Oct 30, 2021 at 10:42 pm

    I met Dawn in 2012 when I got married and moved to Lansing. She was in the process of moving to Florida with her daughter, Leira. They stopped by one day and that was my earliest memories of Dawn. She had a big smile on her face, full of energy and was so excited for the new chapter in Florida. We kept in touch every now and then after her move. All I can say is I’m lucky I got to meet such a kind and vibrant person. She carried so much positive energy and it was so contagious to those around her. One thing I can say is she loved people. Especially her family, above all is her daughter. She did whatever possible to make her happy. A mama bear she was.
    We love you, Dawn. Please look over us all as we hold our memories with you so dearly close.

  13. Jimmie Guidry Oct 31, 2021 at 1:09 pm

    https://youtu.be/7SVJS5d344o

    I just can’t find the words. This song sums it up.

    #guidrystrong.
    Love you sis.

  14. Stacy Hawley Nov 2, 2021 at 5:27 pm

    Just wanted to let you know I love you Dawn I hate the fact that the last time I saw you, you took your last breath. I Will never forget all our talks me making sure you got off to school or when we laughed so hard sitting on my roof you peed your pants. We could tell each other anything and never worry about anyone else finding out our secrets. That’s how tight we are. You will always be my sister, I will always love you and I pray for your family for strength and healing!!! Till we meet again my sweet friend ( sister)!! Always remember on a hill far away stood an old rugged cross. The good Lord took you home to be with him so you didn’t have to bare that cross or this battle we as a nation are going through. I’m glad you are up there on my side looking over me!! Love you forever!!!

  15. Rocky Nov 8, 2021 at 6:26 pm

    There are no words this was a huge loss to all that knew Dawn. To the Guidry family & friends my sincere condolences. Prayers for comfort strength and healing for our broken hearts. I can’t even remember the first time I met Dawn but I feel she has been there all my life. She left a lasting impression her courage strength grace & beauty left a tattoo on my heart & spirit. I will honor her memory deep in my spirit will never forget. Always young & beautiful you will remain to all the sisters of the traveling pink cowgirl hat. #guidrystrong. I will see you again!!!

  16. Cheri Middleton Nov 12, 2021 at 9:47 pm

    Ray & I are so very sorry about the loss of Dawn! Please know we will be thinking about all of you in the morning. Much love & prayers 🙏🏼 We send your way!!
    Ray & Cheri Middleton

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