In Memoriam | Barbara Slifka
June 25, 2025
We are saddened to share the passing of Barbara Slifka, a former Parrish Art Museum Trustee whose extraordinary spirit, kindness, and commitment to the Parrish and the East End will be remembered with deep appreciation. She will be greatly missed.
Barbara’s involvement with the Parrish Art Museum was longstanding; she joined as a member in 1988 and remained a consistent and generous supporter for more than twenty years. Elected to the Board of Trustees in 2011, she brought her characteristic insight, warmth, and philanthropic leadership to the Museum. Her extraordinary vision and generosity were instrumental in supporting the Parrish’s building and endowment. She was honored at the Parrish Midsummer Gala in 2016, a reflection of her lasting impact on the institution and the community.
Barbara Slifka had a distinguished career as a fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar for thirty-five years and dedicated her life to supporting cultural, environmental, and educational causes. She served on the Board of Trustees of the New York City Ballet, The Interfaith Center of New York, Publicolor, LongHouse Reserve, the Animal Rescue Fund of The Hamptons (ARF), and the Long Island Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. She also served as president of the Joseph & Sylvia Slifka Foundation, Inc., and sat on the Philanthropy Committee of the Peconic Land Trust.
