Dawn Michelle Bruce

Dawn Michelle Denham Bruce, a loving mother to Joseph Esa and Benjamin Robert, passed away peacefully on January 7th at the age of 57, while her mother, Sharon Louise Denham, held her hand.

A loving educator, Dawn devoted more than 35 years teaching in the Berkley and Detroit Public Schools. A proud product of DPS, she was deeply committed to giving back to the community that shaped her. Her passion for education began at an early age when her father, Robert "Bob" Denham Sr., gifted her a chalkboard at just five years old-an early sign of the educator she would become.

Affectionately known as "Miss Dawn" or "Miss Bruce" by her students, she touched countless lives through her dedication, compassion, and belief in the power of learning.

She is survived by her two sons, Joey and Ben; her parents, Sharon and Bob Denham; and her younger brother-and first student-Robert "Bobby" (Katie) and nephews, Tyler and Joshua.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11th, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at O'Brien-Sullivan Funeral Home in Novi, Michigan. Funeral services will take place on Monday, January 12th, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, Miss Dawn would have loved for donations to be made to one of the foundations she believed in:

The Amon-Ra St. Brown Foundation for Education: https://www.stbrownfoundation.org

Paws for Patients (University of Michigan): https://giving.umich.edu/um/w/paws4patients-327814