Thinking of you again, my friend, as I do so often. Found a picture of you from about 1994 and cut out the background, popped it in a frame, and now I see you in that picture on my bookcase everytime I walk by it. You'll never be forgotten.
Joanne D. 12/26/23

Think of you almost daily, Mary, and still cannot believe you are gone. One year has passed and I continue to remember your laughter and your sparkling personality.  Really miss you. Love always, Joanne D.


Mary was my first supervisor at Cochise College. My interview consisted of her asking if I wanted to work there, me saying yes, and her saying ok! She was an excellent boss. I will always remember the many conversations we had and all her dear friends who would come and sit and chat. Shoes, math, words...we talked about everything. Mary had a terrible sense of direction. We went to San Diego for a conference and she was often turned around and confused where to go. We made a good team. She will be deeply missed. My condolences to Roy and all her family. She loved you the most! 

Mary and I met when she moved to Sierra Vista.  We were both young mothers and “housewives.”  We shared lunches and talk for years.  Though I already had my degree, we decided to take a class or two at the local college.    We started our adventure with creative writing.  That’s when I discovered that Mary was incredibly competitive.  Taking classes with her meant I had to push harder to keep up.  That early adventure turned into a long association with Cochise College.  Throughout our life changes we stayed friends, sharing family news and visiting each other’s new homes away from Sierra Vista.  How will I remember Mary?  Well – shoes.  We disagreed about how many were too many.  She insisted that all ladies had a pair of shoes to match each outfit.  When we last visited Mary and Roy in Las Vegas, I mentioned that I finally found some comfortable jeans.  She looked at me in surprise then reminded me that she never owned a pair of jeans.  We were so different.   Regardless of our different lifestyles, I will miss Mary every time a life event – little and big – happens.  For nearly 40 years, we shared them all.

Mary was the very first friend I had when I moved to Sierra Vista, Arizona in 1984.  I moved around domestically and internationally for many years afterwards but Mary was always there for me.  She had the best laugh and sense of humour and she "got" me.  I'm English and she loved to talk about England and she could match my English sense of humour with the best.  Sometimes she would phone me and ask me for the definition of some English word she didn't understand.  I always called her Suzy Homemaker....she knew how to do absolutely everything in the home.  I was so jealous!  She made it look so easy.  She loved her children and grandchildren fiercely, and Roy was the love of her life.  She was such a smart and caring woman and oh so sweet and welcoming.  My heart is broken...and I love you Mary Lea. 

I happened to have the distinct privilege of introducing Mary and Roy. For several months during the early spring of 2002, I would often say to my boyfriend Randy that we should “fix-up” Mary and Roy. We all worked at Cochise College; Mary was my friend, and Roy was a new instructor who had recently become good friends with Randy. Finally, on a hot and lazy Sunday over Memorial Day weekend, we took action and invited both of them over for dinner. I think it must have been love at first sight, because they married about 5 weeks later! I am so happy they had 18 wonderful years together.  I will forever miss you, my smart, funny, beautiful, and wonderful friend! I learned so much from you about working with students. You were a trailblazer for ADA services at the college. And whenever I see a Doris Day movie, read a true crime book, or visit Tucson's Ventana Canyon, I will think of you. 

Mary was a fearless advocate for students with disabilities at  Cochise College. She would go to the ends of the earth and push boulders uphill to ensure they received the services they needed and deserved.  She earned the respect, admiration and affection of both students and her colleagues.  Sing with the angels, Mary. ❤️❤️

I met Mary under another sad occasion and that was the funeral of Carol Fallon which was 7 years ago. We first were introduced in the hotel lobby where we all were staying. I remember thinking how beautiful she was & after talking a bit she said to me “ I never met an aunt who was younger than me. “ we had quite a chuckle. Although we didn’t physically see each other again we became good friends  on Facebook & words with Friends  until I stopped because she always beat me!  I know she loved her family immensely and was loved by so many. She will be missed by all. My thoughts & prayers to her family and friends may they find comfort in keeping Mary in their hearts. And remember she is only a heartbeat away. 🙏❤️

My favorite memory of my Aunt Mary is hearing my Papa talk about her. He always looked forward to his Sunday calls from his daughter, Mary. He said she was the best story teller, and he also always loved her letters. Thank you for bringing so much joy to my Papa, Aunt Mary! 

Mary has been a good friend to me since we lived at Yokota AFB in the late 1960’s. She used to write me beautiful long letters , she had a way with words!  She introduced me to Michael Connelly and Harlan Coben books, which I thoroughly enjoy.  Boy will I ever miss Mary! 
This photo was from our JHS reunion in 2000, she was the life of the party! 

OBITUARY

Mary Ann Lea

January 30, 1952 – December 26, 2020

Palm Northwest Mortuary & Cemetery

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