Mary Lee Coleman

Mary Lee (Ronnow) Coleman of La Jolla, CA, passed away on March 24, 2026, at the age of 89. Mary Lee was born in Las Vegas, NV on March 12, 1937, to Charles Leland Ronnow and Mary Almeda (West) Coleman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary Edwin Coleman in 2022.

Mary Lee moved with her parents from Las Vegas to La Jolla at 9 years of age. She was a proud graduate of The Bishop’s School, an all-girls school at the time, in 1955. Mary Lee graduated from USC with a B.S. in Business Administration in 1959. She was a devoted alumni and member of the Trojan League, at one time being the Vice President. In 1982, she graduated with an MBA in Finance from National University.

Following graduation from USC, Mary Lee and Gary were married on April 23, 1960, at the St. Mary’s Chapel located at The Bishop’s School. In La Jolla, they raised three sons; Christopher, Michael and Daryle and were blessed with five grandchildren; Tanner, Hallee, Cooper, Hannah and Mitch.

Mary Lee was involved in the La Jolla community as a member of the San Diego Zoological Society, La Jolla Chamber of Commerce, San Diego Venture Club, Treasurer of the San Diego Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, and members of the La Jolla Country Club and La Jolla Beach Club.

From 1980 until 2007, Mary Lee held a seat on the Nevada Power Board of Directors, now known as NV Energy. Her father, Charles, had been a key figure associated with the founding of Nevada Power, and it was with great pride that she continued his legacy with a seat on the board. Mary Lee was passionate about the stock market and until her last month, was awake every morning in time to see the stock market open. She enjoyed her stock clubs, Silk Stockings and Coast Charters, and religiously studied many investment publications daily.

Mary Lee was not all business. From carpooling, to after school sports, to weekends in Mammoth and Julian, she treasured the time with Gary and their sons. She will always be remembered as a gourmet cook and shared her love of food and entertaining with friends. Mary Lee’s large collection of antique pickle castors delighted her many friends as she entertained from her dining room. As an avid bridge player, she never turned down a bridge game, a night out with friends, or trying a new restaurant. Wherever Mary Lee was, most likely you would find her beloved little white poodles, Annie or Jolie.

As a person who brought passion to all things she loved, Mary Lee will be greatly missed by her family and friends.