Elaine Katherine Gavigan

Elaine Gavigan, 97, of Pompano Beach, died Saturday November 25 at her residence in the Woodlands at John Knox Village.

Ms. Gavigan was a renowned physical education teacher and tennis coach in Broward from the 1950s to 1980s – first at South Broward High School and later at Broward Community College, where she was a founding faculty member. Five of the tennis teams she led won state championships. But she ultimately gained more widespread acclaim for her role in bringing a landmark 1973 federal class action lawsuit that helped level the playing field nationwide between men’s and women’s athletic programs in scholarships, comparable facilities, and equitable budgets.

Born and raised in Miami, Ms. Gavigan left south Florida just long enough to complete her education with an undergraduate degree from Florida State College for Women in Tallahassee and a master’s degree from Ohio State University. After returning to south Florida, concerns about rampant, unplanned development led her to become a staunch advocate for environmental protection and growth management, which she channeled through support of and service to groups like the Florida Audubon Society, Florida Defenders of the Environment, and 1000 Friends of Florida. Much leisure and vacation time was spent on travel and sports. From the years of their inception, she was a faithful, if not rabid fan of football’s Miami Dolphins and Florida State Seminoles!

Ms. Gavigan was preceded in death by her partner and soulmate of 52 years Georgia Reynolds, sister Leona Gavigan, brother Robert Gavigan, Jr., sister-in-law Mary Louise Gavigan, and nephew Robert Gavigan III. She is survived by her nephew Stephen Gavigan and a number of bereaved friends.

Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens in Davie has been entrusted with funeral arrangements. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to any of the above-mentioned institutions or non-profit organizations with which she was involved.