Dawn Noel Guillot Tessmer

While our hearts ache with the loss of Dawn Noel Guillot Tessmer, 59, who passed away on January 7, 2025, we cherish the enduring memories of her unwavering love for family and friends. Her legacy of kindness, compassion, and loyal support will continue to shine brightly. Dawn’s generosity touched the lives of everyone she met. She will be forever remembered as a loving and devoted mother, a cherished wife, a daughter who brought light to her family, a supportive daughter-in-law, a cherished godmother, and a friend whose love and support were unwavering.

A native of Baton Rouge, she graduated from Redemptorist High School (Class of 1982 Valedictorian, Beta Club President, Wolfette Captain) and was a St. Aloysius Catholic Church parishioner. She graduated from Louisiana State University in 1986 with a degree in Quantitative Business Analysis and subsequently earned a Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School in 1989. She was Assistant East Baton Rouge Parish City Attorney and Director of Administration for nearly 35 years and was considered an expert in employment law. Dawn is survived by her son, Adam Rodney Tessmer, and her mother, Mary Comeaux Guillot. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, Lynn and Toby Bourgeois, Ginger and Al Roussel, and Stephanie and Tyrone Arceneaux, as well as by the many members of the Guillot family. She is predeceased by her husband, Edward Herman Tessmer, and son, Evan Paul Tessmer; her father, Rodney Guillot; and her in-laws, Paul and Jeanine Tessmer.

Dawn demonstrated strong leadership skills as an active Gamma Zeta Chapter of Delta Gamma Fraternity member at LSU. She served as a Panhellenic rush advisor, was a chapter disbursement treasurer for two years, and later contributed as an alumnae house corporation board officer. The Mortar Board also recognized Dawn as one of the top 10 outstanding freshmen and inducted her into the Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa during her senior year.

She enjoyed supporting her son, especially when playing in the Catholic High School and LSU bands, hosting holiday parties, taking weekend trips with family and friends, and celebrating Mardi Gras with the Krewe of Lyonesse. Still, most of all, she loved giving to and caring for the people in her life. From weddings and baby showers to baptisms and community events, Dawn was always at the center of celebrations, finding joy in bringing people together and supporting those she loved.

Special thanks to the Southside Gardens (Nicole Hayes - longtime caregiver) and St. Joseph’s Hospice staff for their devoted care and support of Dawn during her illness. Services will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025, at St. Aloysius Church (2025 Stuart Avenue), with visitation from 9:30 AM until the 11:00 AM Mass of Christian Burial, followed by interment at Greenoak's Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Aloysius Church (2025 Stuart Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70808). Please visit rabenhorst.com for online condolences.