Dawn M. Clarkson

OXFORD – Dawn M. (Gaumond) Clarkson, 51, of Park Street, died Tuesday, May 28, 2024, in her home.  She bravely fought cancer twice in the past 17 years.  After a 14-year remission, she was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer with metastasis to her liver.  She was treated by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and fought every day to recover through clinical trials and all treatment options available. Dawn never gave up.

She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Jeffrey D. Clarkson of Oxford; four children, Gabrielle Y. Clarkson and her partner Nikolas Tremblay of Webster, Olivia J. Clarkson, Quinn P.G. Clarkson, and Kellen J. Clarkson, all of Oxford; her mother, Diane D. Gaumond-Oakes and her life partner Paul Sawyer of Worcester; her stepfather, Thomas F. Oakes of Clearwater, FL; two brothers, Jason P. Gaumond and his wife Kelly of Jefferson, and Robert “Bobby” M. Gaumond and his wife Ashley of Worcester; her grandson, Marcel J. Tremblay of Webster; her mother-in-law, Patricia Guiney Clarkson of Oxford; two sisters-in-law, Jennifer Clarkson and Carole Hurd; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.  She was born in Worcester, daughter of the late Joseph Michael, and lived in Oxford for 21 years.

Dawn graduated from Doherty High School in Worcester in 1990, and received a license in cosmetology and esthetician from Rob Roy in 1991. She worked for many years as a nail tech, first self-employed then at the Spa at Nicholas Michaels.  She enjoyed being a nail technician and made many life-long friends throughout her career.

Following her initial battle with cancer, Dawn pursued her passion for nursing, earning her associate's degree from Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester in 2014. For nine years, she dedicated herself to the noble profession as a registered nurse. Throughout her career, Dawn served at esteemed institutions such as Saint Vincent's Hospital, American Renal Associates, Fresenius Dialysis Clinic, and the Life Care Center of Auburn. Her role as a nurse was not just a job; it was her most significant achievement, embodying her dedication to caring for others.

Dawn loved spending time at Corporation Beach on Cape Cod with her family.  She also enjoyed walking her dog (and best friend) Rudy, and attending country music concerts. Dawn’s life revolved around her children, and she would do anything for them.  She was the #1 team mother for Oxford High School football.

The family would like to thank the incredible community of Oxford, who rallied around Dawn during her illness and supported her family.  They would also like to thank Yasmin Gaumond for her help in caring for Dawn during her illness, as well as the businesses, departments, and residents of Oxford who stood by Dawn and her family.

A funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 3, 2024, at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford.  Those attending are respectfully requested to meet directly at the church.  Burial will follow at North Cemetery in Oxford.  Calling hours are Sunday, June 2, 2024, from 4-8 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Adam Bullen Foundation, 8B Concord Ct., Webster, MA 01570.