Mary Lee Wehrle

Mary Lee Wehrle, an actress and world-traveling retail buyer, passed away March 12, 2023, at home in the company of her family. She was a funny, kind, and generous woman, who will be deeply missed. Mary was born in Sioux City, Iowa on October 30, 1953, and was adopted by Tell and Lorraine Wehrle. Mary had one older brother, Richard, with whom she had a close relationship. In 1958, her family relocated to Charlotte, N.C., and after graduating from high school in 1971, Mary moved to Denver to pursue her passion for acting. She attended Colorado Women’s College where she majored in Theatre. There, Mary polished her natural talent and was cast in significant roles for many main stage productions. During her senior year, she garnered the coveted lead role in the environmental play, Approaching Simone. Mary also performed in Reader’s Theatre and Fun and Games Children’s Theatre. And when not “on the boards” at CWC, Mary studied Design, Art History, and Studio Art. After graduating in 1975, Mary pursued a retail career, and eventually accepted a position at May D&F, where she was promoted to buyer and awarded the prestigious Buyer of the Year award from the May Company. In Denver, she met her future husband, Peter Roberts, and later joined him in California, where they married while he attended graduate school at UC Davis. There, she continued in retail and was instrumental in creating the vibrant Home Plus store. In 1993, Mary and Peter moved to Benicia, where their daughters Rachael and Emma Roberts were born. Mary was a devoted mother who always made time for her children despite her demanding work schedule. Mary’s interest in art and design along with her exceptional taste and hard work led to her accomplishments as a retail buyer. She contributed to the success of many Bay Area retailers, including Cost Plus, Williams Sonoma and Z Gallerie, circling the globe to Europe, India, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong as a buyer. She finished her career at Lumens/YDG. Besides retail and acting, Mary's other passions included: writing, painting watercolors, gardening, reading, film, and visiting art galleries. She will always be remembered for her creative spirit and loving, giving nature. We will honor her at a celebration of life at the Benicia Senior Center, Saturday May 6 at 2 pm.

Mary Lee Wehrle

October 30, 1953 - March 12, 2023