Obituary of Lee Harrythea Smith

Lee Harrythea Smith, born on February 3, 1935, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2024, with her two nieces, Kristen Anderson and Shannon Adams by her side. 

 

​​She was predeceased by her mother Harrythea Smith, father Edward Smith, brother Gorham “Buff” Smith, sister-in-law Marjorie “Midge” Smith, and her partner in life Rodman Duane. Along with her two nieces Kristen and Shannon, she will also be missed by their spouses, Jay Anderson, and Mike Adams, her two great-nieces, Madeline and Rhiannon Anderson, extended family, and many friends.

 

Lee-Lee, as she was known by her family and very close friends, was one of a kind. She lived in Wellesley, Massachusetts most of her life in her beloved childhood home where she welcomed countless friends and her many cats to her favorite spot; the sunshine-filled front porch. 

 

​L​ee took on a “temp” job at Harvard University at the Phillips Brooks House Association (PBHA) and turn​ed it into her life’s work, retiring 43 years later. She absolutely loved her job and how it contributed to the betterment of the surrounding communities. She was adored by the PBHA staff and students while making lifelong friendships. Right up to her last days, she continued to rave about her time at PBHA; the staff, the students and how they impacted her life. Working at PBHA was truly Lee’s greatest adventure.

 

Lee was outgoing and personable and made friends easily. She was a natural networker at heart, both professionally and personally. It was a skill she encouraged all to learn to open the doors to new experiences and opportunities.

 

Traveling with friends was one of her favorite ways to spend her time. Whether riding on a camel’s back in Morocco, roaming the tulips of the Netherlands, or snapping photos in the streets of Japan, she was soaking up what life had to offer and making new friends along the way. But spending time with her lifelong friends on Cape Cod was one of her most cherished traditions; one she looked forward to every year.

 

She loved her nieces Kristen and Shannon with a passion, and they loved her back ten-fold. She had a special relationship with them, taking them to New York City and Philadelphia for their 10th birthdays, bringing them to the theater, including the famous Harvard’s Hasty Pudding show year after year, wrapping their gifts in the Boston Globe “funnies”, and walking Harvard Square together always stopping in at The Coop.

 

Lee lived a unique life and was independent in many ways. She practiced yoga before yoga pants existed, recycled before there were recycling bins, gave experiences as gifts instead of material things, she hiked, cross country skied and embraced being the “cat lady” even though she was far from that stereotype. Above her door she had a sign that said, “A Wild Wacky Wonderful Woman Lives Here.”  How true! 

 

Lee’s life was filled with adventure, joy, and love. Her unique exciting spirit has left an imprint on us all. 

 

Lee-Lee, may you rest in peace. We love you and will miss you.