Renee Marie Gerken 49 a life-long resident of the greater Daytona area passed away on December 25 2009 in a tragic accident. She was born June 10 1960 to Robert E. Awad and Kathryn Awad Utter and was a graduate of Spruce Creek High School and an alumni of the University of Florida. Renee was an interior designer working alongside her husband who was a local residential contractor however considered being a wife and mother the most rewarding. She had a true passion for the earth and all creatures large and small. Renee was always willing to help those in need and will best be remembered for her kind loving nurturing nature. She will be dearly missed by all who had the opportunity to know her. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter Courtney Lauren Gerken; father Robert E. Awad of Brooklyn NY; mother Kate Utter of Port Orange; sister Jeanette Munson and her husband Larry of Astor FL; brothers David Awad of Port Orange FL Michael Awad and wife Dawn of Ormond Beach FL Gregory Awad and his wife Jennifer of Atlanta GA as well as aunts uncles great aunts great uncles nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at The Casements 25 Riverside Drive Ormond Beach FL on Sunday January 3 2010 at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Courtney Gerken Memorial Fund at Reunion Bank 3615 Clyde Morris Blvd. Port Orange FL 32129.