Anne C. Coleman was among a handful of women 20 years ago who founded the UCSD Bannister Family House, a temporary home where families of patients undergoing long-term hospital treatment can stay. She remained dedicated to the nonprofit for two decades, raising money and serving as founding board member and co-chair of the advisory board. 
She championed many community groups, such as Las Patronas, for which she was a past president, Thursday Club, San Diego Blood Bank Foundation and Village Garden Club of La Jolla.