BORN

1931

DIED

2015

FUNERAL HOME

Evans & Early Mortuary

574 East 100 South

Salt Lake City, Utah

Kaye Coleman Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 1, 2015.

Kaye Martin Coleman
1931-2015

Our beloved wife, mother, sister and friend, passed away suddenly following surgery on June 26, 2015. Kaye was born in Ogden, Utah and raised by her mother, Donna Merrill, as a happy, curious and independent child. She loved animals and all things in nature. Kaye married her sweetheart, Clair F. Coleman, and they shared 66 incredible years together. They had three cherished children who were taught to be fair minded, true blue and authentic in their lives. Kaye's desire to experience much led her to become an airplane pilot and 99er, a real estate agent and a dispute resolution arbiter. Always civic minded, Kaye belonged to many community organizations, including Alliance House, Utah Valley Mental Health, Utah Museum of Natural History, Alumni Association Emeritus Board, the Phoenix Institute, Governor's Advisory Committee for Statewide Antidiscrimination and many more. She was proud to serve as a board member and president of both the Junior League of Salt Lake and Neighborhood House. Socially, Kaye enjoyed spending time at Town Club and the Salt Lake Country Club.

Kaye courageously returned to the University of Utah in her late 30s to earn BS, MS and PhD degrees. She tirelessly advocated for children, women and the under-represented, co-founding the Women's Resource Center in the early 70s at the University of Utah. Kaye pioneered efforts in dispelling stereotypes and fought for equal opportunities for women in the workplace and society. During this time she embarked on a career as associate and adjunct professor in the Colleges of Social Work and Health. She created a class called Three To Get Ready for women considering new options in life. As an administrator, Kaye finished her career at the University as Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity, where she was able to enact and change policies for fairness and due process in the workplace. She made a difference as a founding member of Presidential Commission on the Status of Women, Title IX Coordinator, Director of the Americans with Disabilities Committee and as a Project Trainer for the US Office of Education on Sexual Equality, guidance Counseling Opportunities in Sex Roles and Career Development, just to name a few. Kaye was listed as Who's Who in American Women and received the Outstanding Women of the Year "Athena" Award.

Kaye is survived by her husband, her brother, Wayne (Donna) Merrill, and her children, Rich (Lianna) Coleman, John (Karen) Coleman and Jolie (Brad) Hardy. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, July 8, 2015, 11:00 AM at This Is The Place Heritage Park, Garden Place. In lieu of flowers, donations in Kaye's name can be made to any of the following, Utah Arthritis Foundation, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, Town Club Preservation, Neighborhood House or the University of Utah. Online condolences may be shared at www.evans-earlymortuary.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Kaye Coleman

What is your first memory of Kaye?

Share a favorite memory you have of Kaye.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Kaye.

Describe a time when Kaye made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Kaye?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Kaye.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Kaye.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Kaye.

What is something you learned from Kaye?

Not sure what to say?

July 10, 2015

Charlotte Mates

Dear Clare, Rich & Lianna, Jolie & Brad, John & Karen, James & Katie, & Steven & Coleman Family,
I have been influenced greatly by Coleman's as a family with great class, giving kindness, outstanding values, strong leadership.
Kaye truly set the tone with her gentle, firm insightful intuition.
From my days at Dilworth School 3rd & 4th grades with Rich to working at Mountain Fuel with Clare's strong respected leadership and working with co-employees Jolie and John to Kaye's teaching such influential life-changing classes - "Three to Get Ready", "Art of Negotiations", etc. I was able to access Women's Resource Center with Kaye such an intregal strong yet gentle leader I feel truly blessed to live my life along side your family with all the attributes you so generously shared.
I enjoy our associations.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you grieve and process completion of Kaye's "Circle of Life".
Peace and love,

July 10, 2015

Dennis Coleman

Jolie, Rich and John, the memorial service you had for your mother was beautiful and really captured the spirit and passion she had for equality for women and the value of education. She was an extraordinary person and I'm sure she was very proud of all of you.

Much love to you all.

July 8, 2015

Jolie, I was very sad when I heard about the passing of your mother. I feel very lucky to have known her and to be able to spend time with her at her home, and to travel with her to Mexico. She was a wonderful individual,wife,mother and a friend to all. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Take care of you dad, such a great man.
My best,
Carl Galbraith

July 7, 2015

Kaye left an enormous legacy of contributions to diversity, tolerance, fairness and hope within the University. It was a great privilege to work with her on women and minority issues-- and benefit from her wisdom and skills in building strong coalitions, establishing effective programs, and encouraging personal development of our administrators, faculty, staff, and students. What a wonderful human being ! Bob Flores--University of Utah.

July 7, 2015

Anne Nicoll

Kaye Coleman's Three-To-Get Ready course was a godsend to so many women (and men) wanting to enroll at the U of U as non-traditional students. Her advocacy on behalf of non-traditional students resulted in many groups, seminars, classes and university policies that helped in their transition back to the academic world.

Her work at the Women's Resource Center, guiding the counseling program and supervising many student interns, demonstrated her gift for creating an environment where people felt safe to express their issues and concerns. She mentored and guided many of us in our professional development. Kaye's commitment to equality of opportunity for everyone was matched only by her calm, compassionate, and persistent work to make it happen.

Jolie, your mom meant the world to so many and she was responsible for so many women in the Salt Lake community figuring out what life-after-grown-kids could be like! I hope you and your family can find comfort in the warmth of so many people who are grateful Kaye had been part of their life. I'm sorry I can't be in Salt Lake to celebrate her life with you and your family. Sending love from afar.

July 7, 2015

Jolie I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother. For years and years she has always been so kind and thoughtful to myself and my family. I will miss her. I loved her a whole lot. Rick Yagi

July 6, 2015

I first became aware of Kaye in the early 1980s when I returned to Utah State University after having worked at the University of Minnesota and the University of Iowa for almost 15 years. When I learned that Utah did not have a state-wide ACE/NIP (American Council on Education's National Identification Program for the Advancement of Women in Higher Education Administration), I began to contact prominent women at Utah institutions to see if they would be willing to help organize such a group. Kaye was one of the outstanding women at the University of Utah, along with Afesa Adams, Ramona Adams, Shauna Adix and others who eagerly helped us get the state-wide group organized. We then encouraged institutional presidents to hire and promote more women into leadership positions and recommended to then Gov. Scott Matheson that he appoint more women Regents and institutional Trustees. When I look at the progress that has been made during the last 25 years, it is clearly due to women like Kaye who began programs to help mentor and encourage women of all ages to succeed. She was amazing! I send my condolences to her family. She will be greatly missed.

Cecelia (Cece) Foxley, PhD, Former Utah Commissioner of Higher Education

July 6, 2015

Jerilyn McIntyre

Kaye was a treasured administrative colleague and friend whose legacy at the University of Utah endures even today. Her deep commitment to women's issues and her support of the advancement of women were an inspiration. It was an honor and a pleasure to know her and work with her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family.

July 6, 2015

Kathryn Brooks

Kaye was a wonderful colleague and friend during my years at the University of Utah (and before) and leaves a deep legacy of commitment to gender and minority issues at the U. As a founding member of the Women's Resource Center and with a long history of supporting reentry women she made a difference in many women's lives. She continued her commitment to equity in her role as Director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and fought long and hard to make the campus more accessible for women and students of color. I will always value her friendship and support in my role as Director of the WRC. I am deeply saddened by her death and my love, sympathy and prayers are with her family.

July 6, 2015

Kaye was always the Best and the Brightest--certainly the most compassionate and practical. I miss her.

Margaret Davidson

July 5, 2015

Brandy Bell

It was a true blessing and honor to know Mrs. Coleman. Her kind example of love for life I will always remember .

July 5, 2015

Elouise Bell

Kaye Coleman was an outstanding leader for us in Utah at a time when we needed her keen perceptions, her patience, and her tenacity. Her legacy is still very much alive in the state. Blessings on those who mourn her passing.

July 5, 2015

My wife Nan and I became neighbors to the Coleman's in 1990. I knew of Kaye's great work at the University when I was on the Board of Trustees -- she spoke for many who had no voice -- and she made a difference in the lives of so many at the time -- and even her work led to policies and programs working so well today. Nan was affected by her work when women needed support and encouragement. We had known Clair from Mountain Fuel days and together they were generous and kind neighbors -- and favor asked was given quickly - when they were out on their porch a drive by always included a quick friendly word or a wave, Nan died April 18 -- prior to her passing we talked about our neighborhood -- and she reminded me how fortunate we were with the Coleman's on our street We are grateful that such a talented woman was also a gracious and loving friend We send our best to the Family and we know that "Her Memory will be eternal" Manny (and Nan) Floor

July 4, 2015

Kaye was dedicated to helping others exceed to their potential. I had many opportunities to work with her at the U of U and always found her fair, helpful, and firm in her desire to improve the working environment for everyone.

July 3, 2015

patty reagan

I loved knowing and working with Kaye at the University of Utah. It was such fun introducing feminist voices to the University community. Kaye Coleman and Shauna Adix were an excellent yin/yang combination that opened doors to women and created a safe space for women, both students and faculty, who were exploring their power, their differences and their hunger to be heard. There could not have been a more exciting time for women than the 70's and 80's and thank you Kaye for helping to shepard us all.

July 2, 2015

So sad to hear this news. Kaye was an extraordinary teacher, mentor and friend. I was very lucky to have had the benefit of her guidance and wisdom.
Love,
Connie McArthur

Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results

Make a Donation
in Kaye Coleman's name

Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

Memorial Events
for Kaye Coleman

Jul

8

Memorial service

11:00 a.m.

This Is The Place Heritage Park, Garden Place

UT

Funeral services provided by:

Evans & Early Mortuary

574 East 100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84102

How to support Kaye's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kaye Coleman's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more