April 15, 1927 - January 2, 2026
Lee G. Harvey, a pioneering businesswoman, civic leader, and lifelong optimist, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 98. Born Eva Lee Penland on April 15, 1927, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, she left the holler behind but never forgot her roots — nor did she ever lose her Southern accent or her deep respect for hard work and humility.
Lee moved to San Diego in 1953 and went on to leave an indelible mark on the region. Known among friends and colleagues as someone who "never had a negative day," she believed fiercely that a woman could do any job a man could. She was among Southern California's first female B-General Contractors, held C10 & C27 designations.
She became a real estate broker, a certified nurseryman, and founded Professional Real Estate Management, which remains in operation today. At the young age of 65 she obtained her law degree. She authored and published four novels. A murder mystery, suspense novel, international spy and one about the Smokie Mountains where she was born.
Her professional life was expansive and influential. During her life Lee opened a plant nursery, pool supply and a restaurant, worked as a full-charge accountant, and served as President of the Southern California Apartment Association.
She was deeply involved in civic life, including leadership roles in National City, and was a tireless advocate for fair residential housing and homeowner association laws. She volunteered generously, spoke publicly for the benefit of apartment residents, and was widely sought out for advice.
If someone was willing to work hard and show up, Lee believed they deserved a chance — and she gave many people their start.
She was endlessly creative and deeply grounded. She hand-stitched more than 50 quilts, threw pottery on her own wheel and fired it in her kiln, and poured her heart into a lush, productive garden which was her passion. She traveled extensively throughout the world and wherever she went, she avoided tourist paths, preferring to explore places as they truly were.
She is survived by her children, David, Sherri, Cathie, Judy, Jeff. She was preceded in death by her son Lyle in late 2024 and her husband Richard in 2013. Her grandchildren Christopher, Shyann, Shelby, Tim, Allie, David Jr, Megan, Heather and Brandon and Gabe and many great grandchildren that live by a legacy of strength, generosity, and quiet leadership that continues through all who knew her.
Lee never had a bad day. On your worst day she would give you hope to not give up. One of her favorite quotes "Every day has the same hours - YOU just have too many excuses."
Lee will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with only family in attendance. In accordance with her wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held in late February. It will be joyful and filled with good food and good people — not a funeral, but a gathering worthy of a life well lived. Details will be shared directly with those she wished to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choosing.
After a long and remarkable life, God finally took her into His arms and gave her rest.
Lee G. Harvey, a pioneering businesswoman, civic leader, and lifelong optimist, passed away on January 2, 2026, at the age of 98. Born Eva Lee Penland on April 15, 1927, in Buncombe County, North Carolina, she left the holler behind but never forgot her roots — nor did she ever lose her Southern accent or her deep respect for hard work and humility.
Lee moved to San Diego in 1953 and went on to leave an indelible mark on the region. Known among friends and colleagues as someone who "never had a negative day," she believed fiercely that a woman could do any job a man could. She was among Southern California's first female B-General Contractors, held C10 & C27 designations.
She became a real estate broker, a certified nurseryman, and founded Professional Real Estate Management, which remains in operation today. At the young age of 65 she obtained her law degree. She authored and published four novels. A murder mystery, suspense novel, international spy and one about the Smokie Mountains where she was born.
Her professional life was expansive and influential. During her life Lee opened a plant nursery, pool supply and a restaurant, worked as a full-charge accountant, and served as President of the Southern California Apartment Association.
She was deeply involved in civic life, including leadership roles in National City, and was a tireless advocate for fair residential housing and homeowner association laws. She volunteered generously, spoke publicly for the benefit of apartment residents, and was widely sought out for advice.
If someone was willing to work hard and show up, Lee believed they deserved a chance — and she gave many people their start.
She was endlessly creative and deeply grounded. She hand-stitched more than 50 quilts, threw pottery on her own wheel and fired it in her kiln, and poured her heart into a lush, productive garden which was her passion. She traveled extensively throughout the world and wherever she went, she avoided tourist paths, preferring to explore places as they truly were.
She is survived by her children, David, Sherri, Cathie, Judy, Jeff. She was preceded in death by her son Lyle in late 2024 and her husband Richard in 2013. Her grandchildren Christopher, Shyann, Shelby, Tim, Allie, David Jr, Megan, Heather and Brandon and Gabe and many great grandchildren that live by a legacy of strength, generosity, and quiet leadership that continues through all who knew her.
Lee never had a bad day. On your worst day she would give you hope to not give up. One of her favorite quotes "Every day has the same hours - YOU just have too many excuses."
Lee will be laid to rest in a private ceremony with only family in attendance. In accordance with her wishes, a Celebration of Life will be held in late February. It will be joyful and filled with good food and good people — not a funeral, but a gathering worthy of a life well lived. Details will be shared directly with those she wished to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one's choosing.
After a long and remarkable life, God finally took her into His arms and gave her rest.
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