Elsie Hillman

Elsie Hilliard Hillman was an American civic and political leader, philanthropist and activist with a lifelong interest in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. A Republican National Committeewoman for overyears, she was instrumental in electing moderate Republicans, including President George H. W. Bush, Senator John Heinz, and Pennsylvania Governors Dick Thornburgh and Tom Ridge. She worked with Democrats and Republicans alike on issues near to her heart civil rights, womens rights, and jobs for people in the Pittsburgh region. Known for her downtoearth nature and sense of humor, Pittsburghers regularly encountered Elsie in her signature headband, as she was active as a philanthropist and civic leader in the city and region.

Hillman was born in Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh, the daughter of Thomas Jones Hilliard and Marianna Talbott Hilliard. She was raised in the Fox Chapel and Hampton Township areas of Allegheny County before her family moved into the City of Pittsburgh. Hillman and her brothers and sister were taught, through their mothers example, that they had a responsibility to serve others. Marianna Talbott Hilliards own work included leading local volunteers in spotting aircraft over Pittsburgh during World War II, serving on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, and heading the citywide effort to raise money to buy mobile kitchens and hospital equipment for warbombed England. Hillman began her own volunteering by cleaning instruments for surgeries at Eye and Ear Hospital in Pittsburgh, selling War Bonds, and knitting socks for soldiers. During her elementary and upper school years, Hillman attended the Ellis School in Pittsburgh and the Ethel Walker School in Connectic

Source: Wikipedia