H. Lee Humphrey

Longtime Belvedere-Tiburon, CA resident, Harriet Lee Humphrey, known as Lee, passed away at age 91 on May 30, 2026 in San Rafael, CA.

Born in Arlington, Virginia in 1934 to Lillian Frances and Harry James Humphrey, Lee graduated from Washington & Lee High School and George Washington University (GW) with a BA in History and Religion. Though she lived in California for more than 60 years, she always considered herself a “Washingtonian,” maintaining many of the childhood and college friendships she made while in VA and the District of Columbia.

After graduating from GW, Lee married Joseph Barish in Washington, D.C., where they welcomed their first daughter, Lisa, in 1956. Joe’s work took the family to the Bay Area in 1959 and in 1961, they added twin girls, Amy and Andrea, to the family. In 1966, they moved back to D.C. for two years for Joe’s work at the Capitol and then returned to California in 1968, settling in Belvedere for almost two decades.

A lifelong learner, passionate about art, history and music, Lee earned her master’s degree in arts administration at Golden Gate University. She put her passion to work in management positions at The Mexican Museum, Young Audiences and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SF MOMA), where she was director of volunteers. She also served as a docent at SF MOMA for more than a decade. More recently, she kept sharp and active taking courses on history, literature and politics through Osher Lifelong Learning, the JCC and Dominican University. She also volunteered at the Corner Book Store at the Belvedere-Tiburon Library, where she enjoyed engaging with her community.

More than anything, Lee loved being near, by and in the water – a strong swimmer, she was always the first person in the pool, ocean, lake or bay, no matter what the temperature. Though she loved to drive, she was also an avid walker who could be seen frequenting the Old Rail Trail along Richardson Bay and the path around Belvedere Lagoon.

In her daughters and grandchildren, she has deeply embedded her love of learning, reading, PBS’ Masterpiece Mystery, crossword puzzles, handwritten thank you notes, art and music, cooking and good food, travel and adventure and all things holiday.

Lee is survived by her daughters: Lisa Slater of San Francisco, Amy Barish of Oakland, Andrea Barish (Tom Ross) of Belvedere; grandsons Gabriel Slater (Serena Patel), William Slater (Electa Willander) and three nieces and three nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Lou Ann Parrott.