Millianne Lehmann

June 25, 1939 - January 16, 2023

Surrounded by family and her beloved books, Millianne Lehmann died at home in San Francisco on January 16, 2023. She was 83 years old. A fourth-generation Californian she was born on June 25, 1939, to Georgia Lou (nee French) and Raymond Peirano. Millie and her younger brother Nick were raised in Pittsburg, California.

After earning her undergraduate (1961) and master’s (1963) degrees in mathematics from San Francisco State University, Millie began her career at the University of San Francisco in 1965.

Pioneering the presence of women on the USF campus, Millie had a distinguished 39-year career as a professor in the Mathematics Department.

Generations of students gave Millie’s teaching top marks. She served for decades as department chair. Millie co-authored books on teaching calculus, teaching calculus using Mathematica ®, and teaching statistics using Microsoft Excel ®. Supported by funding from the National Science Foundation, she conducted math institutes that integrated computing technology into middle school math curricula. Upon retirement in 2004, she remained the only tenured female Professor of Mathematics.

A founder of the USF Faculty Association, Local 4269 of the American Federation of Teachers, AFL-CIO; Millie was the sole woman on the initial steering committee in 1975. She continued her service as Treasurer, Executive Board member and Negotiating team member. During her years with the Union, she battled against mass layoffs and for due process, securing a rational salary policy and adequate salary gains. She will be remembered as a strong and respected leader in all these struggles.

Millie raised her daughters Ellen Granberg and Mera Granberg Paul from a previous marriage. She was also the loving wife of Michael Lehmann, and raised Audrey Lehmann, Nathan Lehmann, Mark Lehmann, and Amy Lehmann, Mike’s children from a previous marriage. She was also the step grandmother of five. Millie’s husband, children, grandchildren, and brother all survive her.

In her spare time Millie was a devoted genealogist, cook, reader and walker.

We will remember her for the love she showed us, her warm heart and generosity of spirit, and her beautiful smile.

A memorial service will be held on the USF campus on Friday, February 24, 2023.