Gayle Barry Lee

Gayle Eileen Barry LEE of Medina, Washington, the only female graduate from the University of Washington Law School in 1959, an Assistant Attorney General of Washington State for over 35 years, and equal rights advocate/activist, died on December 16, 2023. She was 88.

Gayle’s was a life of service. She volunteered for the Seattle Opera, chaired the 1992 University Prep charitable auction, supported the Sons of Norway of Poulsbo, and was a long-term member of the Alter Guild of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Medina.

Advancing equal rights for women, however, was Gayle’s most significant public contribution. She advocated for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment. After HJR-61 passed in 1972, the equal rights amendment to the state constitution, she worked with the Washington State Women’s Council in redrafting laws affected by the passage of the bill. It was her contributions to redrafting laws concerning violence against women for which she is best known and most often quoted.

Gayle’s family and friends remember her as the woman who knew the words to every song from every “golden era” movie musical. They raved over her Potato Salad and marveled at the beautiful, handcrafted needlework and knitted garments and accessories she made for every new arrival to their family. Her granddaughters treasure early memories of their Gorgeous Grandma Gayle giving them winking lessons. She loved the animals in her family, especially her precious “doggie-girl” of 16 years, Sunni. She sang and danced wherever she went, endearing herself to all her newest group of friends at Sunrise of Bellevue.

Gayle was born on June 23, 1935, to Helen (née Torwick) and George Barry in Bremerton, WA. Gayle is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 53 years, Darrell Malan Lee, daughter Laura Stephanie Lee, and grandson Michael Gregory Lee. She is survived by her two sisters, Patricia Dootson (Robert Dootson) and Jan McClinton (David McClinton), her son, Gregory Stephan Lee, daughter-in-law, Jennell C. Vick, and granddaughters, Fiona Kathleen Lee and Annabel Gayle Lee.