Lynda C. Coleman

Lynda C. Coleman, 71, died on November 12, 2023.  She was born April 19, 1952 in Reno, Nevada, the daughter of Franklyn and Gladys Coleman.  Lynda graduated from Carson High School in Carson City, Nevada in 1970, from the University of Oregon with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 1975, and from the University of Southern California with a master’s degree in Educational Psychology in 1978 and with a master’s degree in Policy Planning and Administration in 1980.  Both of her master’s degrees were from the School of Education.

Lynda began working for USC during her student days and became a full-time employee after her graduation.  She worked in University Development eventually rising to be the Associate Director of Development Research before retiring in March of 2013.  During her employment with USC, she was involved in a number of the major fund raising campaigns that have been instrumental in the growing academic reputation of the University.

As a student at USC, Lynda became a member of the Trojan Marching Band (the Greatest Marching Band in the History of the Universe).  She remained active in the USC Band Alumni Organization, attending functions and always willing to help out in any way she could.  Indeed, she worked the Alumni Band event for USC homecoming on her last weekend.  Lynda was a complete Trojan athletics fan.  She had a special intensity for the Women of Troy and became friends with many women athletes at USC for a generation.

While Lynda never had children of her own, children always held a special place in her heart.  She was beloved Aunt to Carson and Sierra and “Auntie” to so many of her friends’ children.  In the 1980’s, Lynda volunteered for Special Olympics and served as a coach for over thirty years.  She was head coach of aquatics and coached athletics and bowling.

Lynda grew up in St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City where she received her sacraments of initiation.  She was a member of Our Savior Parish and the USC Caruso Catholic Center since she attended USC.  After her retirement from employment with USC, she volunteered at the USC Newman Center and was eventually hired as staff.  She received a Papal Medal in 2010 for her service in the Archdiocese of Los Angeles.    

Lynda was pre-deceased by her parents and her sister-in-law Jami-Sue Coleman.  She is survived by her brother, Gilbert, niece Sierra and nephew Carson, and many many many friends.  Her Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 on January 13, 2024 at the USC Caruso Catholic Center.  She will be interred at 11:00 on January 15, 2024 at St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church in Carson City.  In lieu of flowers, donation may be sent to the USC Caruso Catholic Center, the USC Trojan Marching Band, or St. Teresa of Avila Catholic Church.