Gloria M. Clawson, age 80, of Monroe, MI, passed away peacefully at home early Monday morning, August 17, 2009. She had been in poor health for several months. She was born in Detroit, MI, August 27, 1928 to Oswald and Katherine (Navauix) Burkardt. Gloria was a 1946 graduate of Monroe High School and a member of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church. Gloria married Wayne Clawson in 1946 and was married for 26 years. Gloria was an active business woman in Monroe, owning Clawson School of Baton and Dance for nearly 40 years. She enjoyed presenting shows at various local festivals, the Monroe County Fair and the Michigan State Fair. One of her greatest pleasures in life was walking in the Monroe County Fair parade every year with her baton twirling corp., The Clawson Cadet's. Her love of dance and children will be fondly remembered by all who had the good fortune to know her. Dancing was her life. Gloria is survived by her daughter, April Dawn of Los Angeles; son in law, Allen Crawford; her twin sons, Cole Clawson of Osaka Japan; daughter in law, Kayako Clawson, and Curt Clawson of Monroe; daughter in law, Yanfei Clawson; 3 grandchildren; Fawnheart Cronin of Boston, Cetan and Aeon Xing Clawson of Monroe; 1 great grandson, Logan Cronin of Boston. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, William Burkardt. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe where funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 11:00 AM. Fr. William Fisher pastor of St. Joseph Catholic Church will officiate. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to a charity of the donors choice.