Dawn Michelle Guidry

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.