Charlotte Ann Garrigan
March 25, 1951 — November 24, 2025
Cape Coral
On November 24, 2025, the world lost a true angel on earth when Charlotte Ann Garrigan passed peacefully through Heaven's gate during sleep.
Charlotte was born in Akron, Ohio, on March 25, 1951, into the family of Charlotte Francis "Kelley" Garrigan, M.A., a beloved teacher of the handicapped who eventually became a realtor, and Edgar L. Garrigan Jr., who owned an insurance company and was the state senator for Ohio Senate District 27 (1962-1966). Charlotte's siblings were "Lee" Garrigan (deceased), Maureen Ellen McCormick, Brian W. Garrigan, and Hugh Thomas Garrigan (Jean). Eventually, Charlotte's family welcomed Melanie McCormick (deceased), Kelley Anderson (Chad), Jessica Garrigan (Matthew), John McCormick (Cynthia), and Mike McCormick, Charlotte's nieces and nephews.
Charlotte graduated from Akron University with a B.S. in Science, then she pursued her education degree at the University of Florida. Her career trajectory was stellar, and reflected her passions for science, wildlife, plant propagation, ocean conservancy, and reading literacy.
She followed her mother's path, and started her career teaching literacy in Brownsville, Texas. She moved to the Florida Keys, where her family relocated in 1975. She became a dolphin trainer and healer at Flipper Sea School and Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Florida. This was a job she loved; she stayed for 10 years. She said the dolphins were more intuitive and intelligent than any being she had ever encountered.
She returned to education when the dolphin research center closed and began working for the School District of Lee County, Florida—first, at Gulf Middle School, and then at Trafalgar Middle School, where she was an original staff member when the school was founded. She remained at Trafalgar from 1989 to 2015, where she was honored as Trafalgar's Teacher of the Year in 1994, and the Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year for Trafalgar in 1996. She also received the Tony Schwartz Environmental Teaching Award.
Care and concern for her students were paramount priorities in Charlotte's life. She gave her all for their welfare, and they always knew they could count on her to carry them through any crisis. She was beloved by staff, parents, and students alike throughout her teaching career.
Charlotte improved the lives of everyone who crossed her path. She listened, healed our spirit, gave resources, and imparted learning and wisdom. She always had time for family and friends; she never said "no." She was known for her heart of gold. All those who knew and loved her now mourn this amazing woman who will always be remembered for her compassion and generosity, as well as for how she embraced all the gifts that nature brings to our senses and our lives. Her love transformed the lives of everyone she encountered. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, share herself, and evoke that same spirit of love in each person she knew.
Charlotte's legacy of kindness will live in our hearts, and her memory will continue to encourage us to become better versions of ourselves.
March 25, 1951 — November 24, 2025
Cape Coral
On November 24, 2025, the world lost a true angel on earth when Charlotte Ann Garrigan passed peacefully through Heaven's gate during sleep.
Charlotte was born in Akron, Ohio, on March 25, 1951, into the family of Charlotte Francis "Kelley" Garrigan, M.A., a beloved teacher of the handicapped who eventually became a realtor, and Edgar L. Garrigan Jr., who owned an insurance company and was the state senator for Ohio Senate District 27 (1962-1966). Charlotte's siblings were "Lee" Garrigan (deceased), Maureen Ellen McCormick, Brian W. Garrigan, and Hugh Thomas Garrigan (Jean). Eventually, Charlotte's family welcomed Melanie McCormick (deceased), Kelley Anderson (Chad), Jessica Garrigan (Matthew), John McCormick (Cynthia), and Mike McCormick, Charlotte's nieces and nephews.
Charlotte graduated from Akron University with a B.S. in Science, then she pursued her education degree at the University of Florida. Her career trajectory was stellar, and reflected her passions for science, wildlife, plant propagation, ocean conservancy, and reading literacy.
She followed her mother's path, and started her career teaching literacy in Brownsville, Texas. She moved to the Florida Keys, where her family relocated in 1975. She became a dolphin trainer and healer at Flipper Sea School and Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, Florida. This was a job she loved; she stayed for 10 years. She said the dolphins were more intuitive and intelligent than any being she had ever encountered.
She returned to education when the dolphin research center closed and began working for the School District of Lee County, Florida—first, at Gulf Middle School, and then at Trafalgar Middle School, where she was an original staff member when the school was founded. She remained at Trafalgar from 1989 to 2015, where she was honored as Trafalgar's Teacher of the Year in 1994, and the Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year for Trafalgar in 1996. She also received the Tony Schwartz Environmental Teaching Award.
Care and concern for her students were paramount priorities in Charlotte's life. She gave her all for their welfare, and they always knew they could count on her to carry them through any crisis. She was beloved by staff, parents, and students alike throughout her teaching career.
Charlotte improved the lives of everyone who crossed her path. She listened, healed our spirit, gave resources, and imparted learning and wisdom. She always had time for family and friends; she never said "no." She was known for her heart of gold. All those who knew and loved her now mourn this amazing woman who will always be remembered for her compassion and generosity, as well as for how she embraced all the gifts that nature brings to our senses and our lives. Her love transformed the lives of everyone she encountered. She had a remarkable ability to connect with people, share herself, and evoke that same spirit of love in each person she knew.
Charlotte's legacy of kindness will live in our hearts, and her memory will continue to encourage us to become better versions of ourselves.
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