Gigi Dauphinee

Loving daughter, big sister, beloved family member, devoted friend, scholar, musician, animal advocate, and champion of truth. Gigi loved with her whole heart, and was a radiant and inspiring young woman with infinite possibilities in her future. She unexpectedly passed away at age 22, in East Lansing, Michigan, from undetermined causes.

Gigi was born on September 19, 2001, in Bay City, Michigan, the first child of Dr. Kenneth Dauphinee and Dr. Gaye Gorman. She became big sister and self-proclaimed best friend and protector to Zoe in 2003. In Zoe’s words, “Gigi always loved so strongly, with her words and even more so her actions. As an older sister, she was the greatest confidante, playmate (even as teenagers,) and guardian. During inevitable periods of petty sibling arguments, Gigi would still defend, help, and support me the second she was needed. We had endless adventures that will forever be treasured memories, and the bond of love and loyalty between us cannot be broken by any distance or time.” The sisters were as thick as thieves with books, games, swimming, crafts, Taekwondo, fashion, and high school marching band. Gigi and Zoe spent endless hours creating an imaginary world inhabited by American Girl dolls and their pets (and their family members spent endless hours assembling contributions to this world during the pre-dawn hours of many Christmas mornings!)

Gigi was an engaged and committed student, overcoming the challenges of dyslexia to excel in both academic and empirical learning. Her early education was in Midland, Michigan – Midland Montessori School, Woodcrest Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and H.H. Dow High School, graduating in 2019.

Gigi graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in Computer Science Engineering, Minor in Mathematics in May 2023, and was expected to graduate with an M.S. in Computer Science Engineering in April 2024. She had a particular interest in the emerging field of machine learning, especially with respect to natural science (genetics.) Gigi was on the MSU Dean’s list every semester, and was a member/student mentor for the Women in Engineering Connect Program. She used her significant creative skills to help develop and build an escape room as part of her job with the MSU Center for Spartan Engineers. Gigi furthered her learning and contributed to software engineering projects during summer internships at Avanade and Humana in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and was a graduate teaching assistant for Discrete Mathematics classes over the last academic year.

Gigi ‘s love of music began at an early age, as demonstrated by her toddler insight that the “Three Bs” of music were actually the “Four Bs” – Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, and Bruce (Springsteen)! She started to play French horn in the fifth grade, and continued through high school as a member of the concert band, receiving the Director’s Award for Band during her senior year. Gigi also played mellophone in the Dow High School marching band, which was the foundation for one of the future joys of her life, the Michigan State Spartan Marching Band (“SMB.”) The SMB is one of the premier collegiate marching ensembles in the country, and Gigi was a member/student leader of the mellophone section throughout her college career. She was dedicated to the SMB’s culture of excellence, camaraderie, and community, and expanded her role to further support the band with a physical operations/uniform team job in 2022. This role involved managing the SMB’s 300+ uniforms and many related tasks, which aligned perfectly with Gigi’s work ethic, organizational/problem solving skills, and impromptu ability to learn to sew. Gigi cherished her friendships that originated with the SMB, and was thrilled to be part of incredible performances and experiences at Spartan Stadium (of particular note, October 30, 2021 – MSU 37 vs Michigan 33) and post season bowl games. During August 2022, Gigi had the wonderful opportunity to travel with the SMB to Austria, where the band performed in Salzburg, Vienna, and the Mid Europe Schladming Music Festival. As a member of Spartan Brass, Gigi became an avid MSU basketball fan, most recently supporting the team at the Big Ten Tournament, where she cheered with such enthusiasm that friends sent texts that they could hear her on national TV.

Gigi valued her friends beyond measure, and they felt the full strength of her love: “Gigi was a fiercely loving and loyal friend. Perhaps the most thoughtful her friends have ever known. From perfectly chosen birthday gifts to showing up for performances to sending postcards that she found and just knew would make you smile - Gigi always shared her love endlessly. She was quick to welcome you into her apartment, offering tea and snacks (even if you had allergies,) and a spot on her couch to sleep. She brought an unforgettable light and love to our world, and will forever be in our hearts.” Gigi’s love and compassion extended to animals, and over the years she adored and cared for family dogs Ursa and Mochi, cats Bella, Bear, and Shadow, foster puppies Bruce and Peter, and most recently her rescue cat Junie. Last but not least among Gigi’s beloved animals was a stuffed (now threadbare) lilac colored rabbit, affectionately and universally known as Bunny. Gigi received Bunny on her first Easter, and he was her constant companion, with a place of honor on her pillows.

Gigi’s talents and interests were as wide ranging and successful as her immense capacity to learn. Her love of swimming and water began as an infant (not surprisingly, her favorite Disney character was Ariel, the Little Mermaid,) and she was truly happy to be in a pool, lake, or ocean. She studied Taekwondo for 12 years, ultimately earning a black belt. Gigi had a passion for exploring and travel, and was always up for an adventure – she visited many locations throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and was fascinated by new cultures and experiences, including music, theater, and museums. There was no one better than Gigi to plan and execute a spirited road trip to see a musician or band, which was one of her favorite escapades with friends. She taught herself to embroider, and meticulously created self-designed concert jeans. More recently, Gigi learned to crochet from watching videos, and was working on several new projects. She had a deep appreciation for nature and the outdoors, and loved the singular beauty of the Michigan State campus during all seasons. She had a special affinity for plants, and her living spaces were enhanced with many thriving specimens, adding to the beautiful and welcoming home she created. Gigi loved to entertain, and her guests were certain to be treated to a lovely (often home cooked) meal, music, candle light, and laughter.

Despite her successes and talents, Gigi was humble and often surprised by the positive responses she received from even brief interactions. Throughout her life, she was described as being genuine, kind, articulate, empathetic, and compassionate. She consistently acted with integrity, and was the first to extend a helping hand, offer an encouraging word, or simply be present to support someone in need.

Gigi’s bright future included starting her dream job at Auto-Owners Insurance in Lansing, Michigan, which she chose over other opportunities since the vision and values of the company aligned with hers. She was excited to furnish and decorate her new apartment, including a “catio” for Junie. Gigi planned to volunteer in Lansing area schools to promote STEM learning for girls, continue to learn new crafts and travel, and also acquire season tickets for MSU basketball.

While it is heartbreaking, and a devastating loss to imagine a world without Gigi, we know she left the world a better place, and her too brief life enhanced the lives of others more than she could ever imagine. The many who loved her will endeavor to carry the lessons of her beautiful and enduring spirit into the future.

Those who wish to honor Gigi’s memory could enjoy nature, plant a tree, go for a swim, hug a loved one or pet, write a letter, listen to a favorite song, speak from the heart, be brave, connect with a friend, be kind to a stranger, welcome someone into your home, plan your next adventure, or learn something new.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donating in Gigi’s name to an animal rescue organization or the Michigan State Spartan Marching Band.