Elsie Hillman
Elsie Hilliard Hillman (December 9, 1925 – August 4, 2015) was a Pittsburgh based philanthropist and a former Republican National Committeewoman. She was the wife of billionaire industrialist Henry Hillman. During her life, Hillman helped to advance the careers of a number of moderate Republican politicians to state and national offices. Among the politicians whose careers she fostered are President George H. W. Bush, Senator John Heinz, and Pennsylvania governors Dick Thornburgh and Tom Ridge.
Elsie Hillman | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Republican National Committee from Pennsylvania | |
| In office 1975 – June 8, 1996 | |
| Preceded by | Sally Stauffer |
| Succeeded by | Anne Anstine |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Elsie Hilliard December 9, 1925 Fox Chapel, Pennsylvania, US |
| Died | August 4, 2015 (aged 89) Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US |
| Resting place | Homewood Cemetery |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Henry Hillman |
| Children | Juliet Lea Hillman Simonds Audrey Hillman Fisher William Talbott Hillman Henry L. Hillman Jr. |
| Alma mater | The Ellis School Ethel Walker School Westminster Choir College |
| Known for | philanthropy |
She worked with Democrats and Republicans on civil rights, women’s rights, and jobs in the Pittsburgh region. Known for her down-to-earth 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.