Deceased Classmate: Dawn Tuten Gordon.
Date Of Birth: 09-19-1942
Date Deceased: 12-?-2023
Age at Death: 81
Cause of Death: Cancer
Survived By: Two daughters. Vanay and Cassandra Gordon
Dawn and I were friends from the 11th grade at MSHS. Even though I moved away from Miami in 1982 we saw each other almost every year. She was talented and played the piano and taught piano at her home as well as grade school on Key Biscayne until she retired to tend her home’s Beautiful garden She was also beautiful, on both the inside and outside. Her two daughters, Vanay and Cassie, took wonderful care of her through her illness. A true friend until the end. I will miss her laugh and caring ways.
Connie King Babcock
Below is the obit added in the Key Biscayne News Letter by her daughters.
In loving memory of Dawn Louise Gordon, Key Biscayne Elementary’s Ms. Gordon. Ms. Gordon, a beloved retired teacher of Key Biscayne Elementary, passed away over the Christmas holiday after a ten-year battle with Alzheimer’s and metstatic breast cancer. She was surrounded by her loving daughters, Venay and Cassie Gordon. Ms. Gordon, as she was called by her colleagues and students, was a well-loved teacher at Key Biscayne Elementary for over 40 years. She was born in Miami, Florida, on September 19, 1942, to Lonnie and Mary Tuten, and was the eldest of three daughters. She attended Miami High and graduated with a bachelor’s in education from the University of Miami. Dawn met her husband William K Gordon III, whom she married in 1962, and raised her daughters Venay and Cassie in South Miami, FL. Dawn always wanted to be a teacher from a young age. She pursued that passion in college and later in life, earning her master’s in education from Florida International University. Dawn began her teaching career at Coral Gables Elementary for a few years but received an opportunity to join Key Biscayne Elementary and never left until she retired after over 40 years of service. Dawn taught second and third grade early on when her daughters attended Key Biscayne Elementary Later, she moved to the K8 program for the last 20 years until she retired. Dawn’s favorite time of her career was teaching Pre-K students. Dawn was a lover of the arts and shared her passion with her students. Ms. Gordon was also a beloved teacher of piano after school to students and was known for her second-grade infamous Luaus. Dawn was fascinated by Polynesian culture and Hawaii. Her dream of visiting many of the islands came true. Her daughters took her shortly after retirement to many of the islands in Hawaii where she finally attended a traditional luau. Many who worked and taught by Dawn can remember her infectious laugh and positive outlook. But most of all, her devotion to her students. Dawn felt so connected to the Key Biscayne culture and lifestyle and was honored her daughters could attend Key Biscayne Elementary and St Agnes. She always recognized it was a far commute each day for her and the girls but worth the drive for such a wonderful community. Alzheimer’s may have taken many memories from Dawn, but she never forgot being a teacher and her love for her students. She would speak frequently to her daughters and caregivers about the wonderful times with her students on The Key. Dawn’s positive outlook, infectious laugh, and open-door policy made her a pillar of strength and kindness. She was a source of inspiration for her daughters, demonstrating resilience and perseverance throughout her life. In her last years, Dawn’s daughters, Venay and Cassandra, lovingly cared for her, reflecting the same selflessness she had shown to others. Dawn is survived by her daughters Venay and Cassandra, her sister Gay, her nieces Tammy Barlow and Denise Jellinek, and their children William, Skyler, Maya, and Felix. While she may no longer be with us, Dawn’s legacy of strength, kindness, and gratitude will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. A celebration of life for Dawn will take place out of town later this year.
Condolences to Venay and Cassandra Gordon 7400 SW 70th Terrace Miami, Fl 33143
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Joan Barnes (Barco)
So sorry to hear about Dawn's passing. I knew her for years. We even drove together to Dade County Junior College (1960) and we were in the first graduating class.