Malissa Gore

Malissa Anne Aucoin Gore, beloved partner, mother, daughter, sister, educator and friend passed away May 7, 2024 after a valiant two year fight with ALS. Malissa will always be remembered for her kindness, tenacious spirit, competitive nature and unwavering loyalty to her friends, students and family.

Born on November 22, 1970 in Beaumont, TX to Waldon and Janice Aucoin, Malissa lived a life filled with love, laughter, sarcasm, adventure and sports - all of them. She grew up in Port Neches, TX, Baton Rouge, LA and Aurora, CO where she graduated from Smoky Hill High School and lettered in softball, soccer, basketball and track.

Malissa was a born teacher/educator and attended the University of Northern Colorado where she turned her love of history and sports into a 16+ year career as a teacher and coach. Known for her compassionate heart, gentle spirit and her ability to see the best in others, Malissa coached every sport imaginable and was named as the 2013-14 Teacher of the Year for R.K. Smith Middle School. Malissa’s proudest accomplishments extend beyond her professional successes to include the profound impact she had on those around her through mentorship and genuine care for others. She will forever be remembered for her kind heart and steadfast support for all who knew her.

Malissa is survived by her partner Stephanie Hightower; her children Malissa (Missy) Gore, Magen Gore, Joseph (Joey) Gore, Sadie Williams (Drew), and Lance Hightower; parents Don and Janice Aucoin; sister Melinda Parker (Phillip), niece and nephews Kaitlyn, Logan and Weston Parker; aunt Malissa Turner and uncle Euel Thomas Turner (Beth); as well as a slew of cousins who all managed to cheer for competing SEC college football teams, making family gatherings loud and unruly.

A celebration of Malissa’s life will be held on Friday, May 31, 2024 at Resthaven Gardens of Memory & Funeral Home at 2:30pm in Baton Rouge, LA. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Team Gleason Foundation - No White Flags. May her words forever be in your hearts, “This disease may take away my ability to eat, move and breathe, but it cannot take away what I’ve gained from my time with all of you.”