Tonya Gauthier

On May 2, 1967, a special light, Tonya Gauthier, henceforth known as Tina, was born unto Ronald & Julia LeGraham, in Detroit Michigan. Her Father, Ronald, was a long time employee with the Big 3 automobile manufacturers while her Mother, Julia, was a social worker in the Detroit public school system. Tina was introduced to a variety of cultural activities, such as museums, the ballet, and orchestral concerts at a young age through her mom, Julia. She exhibited a thirst for knowledge and graduated High School and went on to attend Michigan State University. She later relocated to the West Coast and transferred to Cal State Fullerton, where she went on to graduate and subsequently pursue & obtain her Master’s degree. During her time at Cal State Fullerton, Tina gave birth to her own bundle of joy, LaToya Alexandria, on 10/20/1989. Although now a single mother, Tina, would put forth all her energy into being a great Mom and educator.
During the spring of 1997, Tina would meet Kenneth Gauthier on a blind date, and ultimately embark on a relationship that would last over 2 decades when they were wed on 12/12/1998. As a result of this union, another child, Kenneth Jr, would join the Gauthier family on 10/26/2000. Tina, never the one to be idle, embraced both motherhood and her work with a fierce determination. In addition, she also decided to study Middle Eastern Dancing as a member of the Desert Mirage Dancers, which would provide her an outlet and avenue to connect with a new circle of friends outside of education. Tina, along with this dance troupe, could be seen at county fairs, private events, et al with a regularity throughout Southern California. In honor of Tina’s mom, Julia, she established a non-profit, Julia’s Learning Foundation in 2016 to assist college-bound high school seniors obtain admittance & scholarships as well as engage in one-on-one student mentoring. A former CCEE Teacher of the Year, Tina’s dream was to retire from teaching and devote her entire efforts to this cause. Within the past few years, Tina even found additional time to become a member of organizations including Beautiful Brown Girls & the sorority Zeta Phi Beta. She also assisted the incarcerated, sponsoring/teaching classes to both adult and juvenile males at Chino’s California Institution for Men. Tina’s thirst for life was exhibited in how she lived: caring for others through her career and foundation as well as making time for herself while traveling to exotic locales, routinely attending concerts, co-hosting wine and spirits pairing dinners, and enjoying a good cigar while watching a football game. Although she sometimes spread herself thin, Tina put her family first, providing guidance and love to her children and commitment and romantic companionship to her husband.
After being hospitalized, Tina Gauthier valiantly fought to stay on this earth just as she engaged in daily battles to better the life of her fellow humankind. She passed away Aug 22, 2021, and leaves behind her husband, Kenneth Sr, two adult children, LaToya and Kenneth Jr plus a host of family members, friends, peers, and acquaintances. Tina touched everyone she encountered with her beautiful smile, charming personality and unique outlook on life. She was one to always lend a hand wherever she could in order to make a difference. The world lost a shining star who will never be forgotten. Rest in peace my beloved…
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